Nearly three centuries of Newbury’s heritage was wiped off the map today when a multinational brewery decided to change the name of the Hatchet pub in the Market Place.

Newbury.net can reveal that the former coaching inn and Grade II-listed building has been renamed the Berkshire Tavern by Scottish & Newcastle plc.

Dream win for Newbury punter

Liverpool fan Adrian Hayward scooped £25,000 on a bet that Liverpool star Xabi Alonso would score from his own half, two days after he had foreseen the wonder goal in a dream.

Company director Mr Hayward, 42, of Cromwell Road, placed the £200 wager with Paddy Power at odds of 125/1, on the third round FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Luton Town, which the Reds won 5-3. Alonso scored the last goal, and from the same position as Mr Hayward’s dream two nights before.

Bringing home the bacon

Thieves raided the Bacon Arms in Oxford Road and made off with a buffet prepared for a private party the following night. Fortunately, there was time to restock and keep revelers fed for their New Years’ Eve party.

Ambulance station to close

NHS managers are attending Newbury Area Forum next week to explain why they’re closing the ambulance station at the Robin Hood roundabout, and merging the local NHS trust with Reading and Wokingham to create a single Trust serving 438,000 people. Newbury Primary Care Trust Sheila Hayes is presenting a talk on local health services at the WBC chamber, Market Street, next Tuesday at 6.30pm.