West Berkshire has done more for the cycling lobby than any other council in the country, and has won an award for its efforts, from the English Cycling Development Team, which rates cycling initatives among the 150 highways authorities.

Executive councillor for transport Sally Hannon said: “Our commitment to cycling comes from the appreciation that it can make a major contribution to protecting the environment, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The key to progressing that has been to work in partnership with all those involved.”

Just married

Newbury people can now get hitched at the Hilton. The Pinchington Lane hotel was handed a marriage licence yesterday, and can now hire the Newbury registrar and local vicars so couples can tie the knot and have a reception in the same place.

Newbury’s registry office is to close and move from Peake House in Newtown Road, to Shaw House, when the Tudor mansion is restored.

Shop board banned,

The new owners of the Kings Coffee House in the Broadway have been banned from putting up an A board, because it would obstruct pedestrians. The council had no problems with a new sign, awning and paint job.

Italian job

One of Newbury’s many new developments could be named after the town’s Italian twin town of Feltre. Miller Homes demolished the art deco Christian Science church in Newtown Road for flats, and wants to call the scheme Church Mews. But Newbury Twin Town Association chairman Garry Poulson is lobbying for Feltre Place, which became Newbury’s fourth ‘twin town’ last year.