Road engineers have compromised in a bid to calm feelings over new traffic lights by Blackboys Bridge.

In a bid to stop gridlock at the Newtown Road/Pound Street junction, West Berkshire Council is to turn Argyle and Derby Road into a one way system. Despite a petition from 70 residents, fearing that it will become a rat-run for people trying to dodge the new lights, engineers have been told to go ahead. The council is hoping it can now find £40,000 to install a new turning point.

City slickers

Dozens of City dealers are expected in Newbury this month. Vodafone is holding an all-day conference to explain to financial institutions what it’s plans are for the next year. The mobile phone giant is sat on a cash mountain, and has been under pressure to hand more back to shareholders, after its failed takeover of AT&T.

Forum fizz

Simon Lyle from Bartholomew Street Newbury has won a bottle of champagne from Newbury.net. He was the 100th member to sign up to the forum, on the town’s foremost website. Similar prizes will be on offer as other milestones approach, so don’t forget to use your correct email, or you could miss out.

Bouncer lessons

Newbury’s doormen are to train up in health and safety, customer service and the law. London’s top security experts have been drafted in to provide a four-day course at Newbury College’s Business Focus unit in Cheap Street. Police and licensing officials have backed the scheme.