Newbury’s new 60-bed hospital has passed its check-up from government inspectors. Newbury and District Primary Care Trust scored well on encouraging more of us to quit smoking, as well as cutting waiting times and improving the general health of the population.

The Benham Hill hospital is working with Royal Berkshire Hospital to see whether it can care for 40,000 extra people living at the eastern end of west Berkshire, currently using the Reading hospital.

More crossings at roundabout

Work has started this week to build two new pedestrian crossings at the Oxford Road/Western Avenue roundabout. Waitrose handed over the cash for the improvements in return for planning consent for its £5m superstore, which opened last year. A crossing has already been installed on the roundabout, with another to go on the A4 opposite Speenhamland School, and a third to cross the Oxford Road outside the store.

Estate improvements

Community groups in the Newbury area can get up to £500 to improve some of the town’s worst estates.

The Housing Plus Fund has backed more than 20 activities in the area so far, such as the after school clubs, summer holiday activities, and environmental projects to clean up wasteland.

The scheme is funded by West Berkshire Council, along with Sovereign, James Butcher, A2 and Warden housing associations.

Partners (£3,500).

The deadline for the latest pot is October 1, so community-minded residents are encouraged to call Maureen Sheridan on 519680.