The Vibrant Village Debate!

I saw the front-page article in the Twyford Advertiser (August 17th 2006) covering the reaction to Cllr Frank Browne's views on Twyford (thanks to my fab neighbour for saving it for me while I was away!). If you wrote a letter to the Readers' Viewpoint section then please feel free to add it to the comments section below.

To me, the relocation of Twyford Library to the site of J W Greens is all about potential; about how much more it could do for our community. I don't think that the current state of the High Street is the real issue and unless Cllr Frank Browne is a resident or regular shopper in Twyford then he really isn't in any position to comment!

Would a centrally located library allow you to access it more often? Would it benefit our community as a whole? Add your views below.

Twyford Advertiser August 10th 2006

This article discussed the suitability of the Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group's building as a possible location for Twyford Library. I still believe that a central location would benefit more people - what do you think? Add your comments below!


Incidently, the front page of this edition of the Twyford Advertiser showed a play area in Waltham Chase which has become totally overgrown by weeds and is therefore unusable. Yet another example of Twyford suffering from Wokingham District Council's political games. It is still incredible to believe that Cllr Frank Browne actually said that he looked forward to the day when Twyford was Conservative. Is he saying that will be the day when he intends to actually spend any council money on Twyford? Does that come under bribery or blackmail?

The Twyford Advertiser tells it like it is!

My recent depression was greatly lifted on Thursday morning (August 3rd) as I leant on the ice-cream freezer in the paper shop and read Victoria's article in the Twyford Advertiser. I did buy the paper I hasten to add, it's just that having started reading I found I couldn't put it down.

Although the news was still not the good news we would all like to hear, it was great to read the case put so well by someone who understands what this would mean to the village and the community as a whole. Victoria has obviously done her homework; following Anne's question at the public meeting, Victoria has discovered that the extra 194 homes in Twyford have generated an additional £1,197,300.82 in council tax. I find myself asking yet again, can the district council really not find the balance of £210,000 needed to secure the site of J W Green's as a community library for the northern parishes?

I am sure many other people will have read this article, particularly the council leader's rich language in his comments on page 3 (something I have also experienced first hand). Please add your comments by clicking on the word comment below. I have been told you need to click 'other' when prompted - I hope this makes it easier to do!

Reading Chronicle, Thursday August 3rd 2006

Library users throw book at council
(sorry, couldn't quite fit it all on the scanner!)

I like how the chronicle have called it a stand-off between Twyford villagers and the district council. If only the district council were paying us that much attention! Personally I feel as if I have been chewed-up and spat-out. The Wokingham District Council meeting on Thursday 27th July was a real low point for me. Surely they can find £210,000 for our community library?

Twyford Times Report on the District Council Meeting

Front page of Twyford Times, Weds August 2nd 2006

Yes it's true, incredible as it may seem, the Leader of Wokingham District Council really did say that if we want the site of J W Green's so much then we should pay extra taxes to our Parish Council and thereby raise the money to pay for it ourselves!
My first ever visit to a District Council Meeting left me apalled and depressed. Not only did it seem to me that there was one person calling the shots, it became apparent that this person was trying to create the impression that this would cost more than it actually does.
Please add your comments below.