West Berkshire Council are determined that it should be located in the newly refurbished Market Place. This is proving to be an impossible task now that they (West Berkshire) have reneged on their original deal, and are forcing the market traders out of Northbrook Street before Christmas.

Last Thursday, the Highways Department at West Berkshire assured Emma Webster (Councillor in charge of the Vision) and Nick Carter (Chief Executive at West Berkshire) that everything was “hunky dory” and that they had devised a layout to ensure that both the market traders and the ice rink could be accommodated in the Market Place. In consequence a story was leaked to selected media.

This was all in advance of meetings and discussions previously scheduled for today. These meetings have proved that it is impossible to fit everything in. In consequence the location of the ice rink is in jeopardy once again.

The new layout of the Market Place including benches, trees and additional lampposts is proving very difficult to manipulate. In addition there are also major concerns over health and safety issues with buses and the new road layout.

Unless agreement can be reached, the ice rink will have to relocate to the Wharf or Victoria Park, or even worse be cancelled altogether.

There is still a considerable shortfall between the amount of sponsorship and the actual cost of the rink. However it is rumoured that the West Berkshire tourist budget may pick up the tab on this shortfall and not Town Centre Management who have currently been facing their own cash flow crisis.

Newbury Town Council have organised a special public meeting to discuss the future of the Charter Market on Tuesday 21st November at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.