Plans to revamp the Market Place could hit the buffers if cycling activists get their way. Pedalpower group Spokes has written to West Berkshire Council to complain that a leaflet to gather views on the scheme is “misleading”, after it claimed that cycling would be banned in Northbrook Street and the Market Place.

Spokes chairman Ed Cooper said in a letter to the council: “The proposal appears to be that cyclists will be banned from cycling in Market Place –

the implication is that this restriction will also extend in time to Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street. This contravenes Government guidance intended to increase levels of cycling.”

A bylaw is being drawn up to ban cycling from Northbrook Street, and it is intended to do the same for the Market Place. But Spokes has demanded an urgent meeting, as a ban would make it very difficult for cyclists to get over the canal without dismounting.

New shop for town

Buying a new school uniform in Newbury will get more interesting soon when

National Schoolwear Centre opens next month. Camp Hopson is the town’s traditional stockist of school uniforms, but the new chain has taken over the old American Express shop in Bartholomew Street, which is being refitted.

Café culture

The finishing touches are being put to Caffe Nero in Bartholomew Street, due to open in the next few days. The café will be next to the new Laura Ashley homeware shop, in the former TSB branch.

Stylish Shoplifter

Not often we dip into Thatcham, but police are looking for a thief with expensive tastes. The twentysomething man is suspected of stealing £1000 of champagne from Waitrose over the last four months. CCTV stills have been taken, but he has so far evaded capture, and not been back since shoving bottles under his jumper on March 11. Contact PC Will Downey on 0845 8 505 505, if you have been offered cheap champagne, or with anything that may help.

High street bag snatch

A 22 year old woman had her handbag snatched by a mugger in Northbrook Street last week. She was between WH Smith and Abbey bank at 4.45pm last Wednesday, when a man punched her in the face and grabbed her from behind, ripped her bag away, containing passport and cash, and made off towards the Clocktower. He was white, average height and build, with dark hair. PC Paul Jacobs is investigating on 0845 8 505 505.

News, events and local discussions for Newbury Berkshire UK