Camp Hopson is soon to begin renovating the Northbrook Street side of its store. The £6 million project involved moving stock to the front of the store, while a new open-plan extension was built facing Park Way. With that work nearly finished, the store is due to start work on the front half of the store next month. The new-look store is expected to complete by the end of the year, featuring two new fashion shops on either side, to be sub-let.

Politicians square-up

All three main party candidates fighting for the Newbury seat in the General Election will come face-to-face for the first time on April 12th. Lib Dem MP David Rendel, Conservative hopeful Richard Benyon, and Labour’s Oscar Van Nooijen will attend a business hustings organized by West Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, to discuss what each party hopes to do to improve local business prospects.

Poetry in motion

Poet laureate Andrew Motion will be in Newbury next month to talk through the work of famous poets. The laureate is a mysterious and ancient position, but Mr Motion wishes to promote poetry on the National Curriculum, and will be at Newbury Library on April 6. Tickets are now available on 01635 519900.

Common people

Volunteer wildlife enthusiats will be descending on Snelsmore Common this Sunday to get to mend paths, give signposts and fences a lick of paint, and monitor wildlife habitats. This type of heathland is rare in the south, and was formed by centuries of grazing. Recently, six Exmoor ponies were introduced to chomp through the grasses and bushes, but the reserve ranger hopes volunteers will also help him with a little scrub-bashing. More helpers are needed though, so call Keith Tomey on 07765 898577, or email: ktomey@westberks.gov.uk

More flats

A period office is to be demolished in Newbury town centre, to make way for 14 flats. The former Maxx Design offices in Town Mills are difficult to let since Vodafone released better quality office space in Newbury. Pangbourne developer Thomas & Co is behind the plan. The river frontage is likely to prove attractive, although there is little nearby parking.

Teens arrested

Two Chieveley teenagers were arrested on Friday evening, and charged with three burglaries in the village. A 16-year-old who can’t be named for legal reasons, and 18-year-old Gregory Steven Ball will appear in court in Newbury a week on Friday.