Local Conservatives are set for a windfall as a result of the town’s 25 year vision. West Berkshire Council is planning to force the Tories to sell their car park, to build 200 flats, along with cafes, estate agents and a new square, between Market Street and the railway station. The land is owned by Reading FC chairman John Madejski, but new powers for the council mean they can buy it under a Compulsory Purchase Order, and the land is valued at £1m.

Festival warmer

They’re going down at Newbury again this weekend, as a host of big money horses are put through their paces for the Cheltenham Festival. A strong field and big crowds are expected for the £100,000 pot in the Vodafone Gold Cup on Saturday – won last year by Lambourn-trained gelding Isio.

Pundits will be watching for predictions ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 10 days time, although the weather is expected to be wet with sleet.

Jam today as Lib Dems “max the tax”

Council leader Royce Longton has dismissed budget plans by the Tories to deliver a 1.25% council tax rise as “jam today, gruel tomorrow”. He predicted that staff would be sacked, standards would slip, and a financial crisis would be brought on by the move.

Dr Longton said: The Lib Dems stand for responsible financial management, protecting services not attacking them, and lower-than-average tax increases for three years, not jam today and gruel tomorrow.”

However, Tories claimed that a 3.9% tax hike is unnecessary after an 11% increase in funding from the Treasury.

Tory leader Graham Jones said of his alternative budget: “Our proposals would have provided prudent investment in our crumbling roads, and more money for street wardens in neglected areas such as Thatcham and our villages. The great shame is that for all their extra taxing and spending, the Lib Dems still fail to invest in the things that really matter to residents.”

Bollards to motorists

Part of Stroud Green will soon have bollards to stop cars parking on the green verge. Council engineers are drawing up costs, after a stream of complaints from residents that it was damaging the common, particularly opposite the Plough pub. The work is expected to get underway this summer, ahead of a parking permit scheme planned for the area.