News from our Church Ward Councillors
Update on Shinfield Road
At the Full Council meeting on 24 January Conservative Councillor Azam Janjua will propose that roundabouts are returned to the Shinfield Road junction.Azam says “ I live in this ward and I regularly speak with many local residents and it is clear that Labour’s traffic lights are not increasing safety in the area and are increasing congestion.”“ I have consistently represented the views of local people. Whilst supporting the small changes proposed by Labour because it is essential that something be done urgently. I will continue to urge the Council that the roundabouts must be restored.”The minority Labour administration running Reading’s council has brought back traffic lights across Reading and these are increasing delays and pollution at a massive cost to local taxpayers.
Tackling Poverty
Cllrs Tim Harris and Azam Janjua were appalled by The Institute for Fiscal Studies’ recent report which identified Church Ward as (in 2009 at the end Labour’s 12 year reign in Reading) having the most child poverty in Reading - 33 % compared to 31% in Whitley - traditionally considered to be the most deprived ward in the borough. The Conservative led Coalition government has been working hard on long term strategies to address this. Locally, under Tim Harris's leadership Conservatives are looking at practical things eg. encouraging more businesses to move to Reading and actively assisting local children by ensuring that all our children have access to buses and sports. Other simple things such as having a safe place where children can ‘hang out' or do homework are important. We will not play politics with this important issues and will work with any major party to address this.
Fighting for Safer Roads
Staverton and Salcombe Roads have not been resurfaced for some time and this is a serious safety issue as the potholes are causing problems for local residents, both road users and pedestrians, and they are particularly dangerous for the elderly and disabled, and for cyclists.Your Conservative Councillors are fighting to improve the road surfaces of Staverton Road and Salcombe Road by proposing a motion at the next council meeting calling for necessary repairs.