Traffic managers at West Berkshire Council are about to unveil plans to turn West Fields into a 20mph zone. It’s not known at this stage whether this part of town is particularly prone to accidents, but the council is due to decide on the scheme in February. The area recently acted as guinea pig for a parking permit scheme, which has attracted criticism over lack of enforcement.

Council cuts ad budget

West Berkshire Council has announced plans to switch more recruitment advertising from the local press to websites. The Tory-run cabinet agreed last month to hire a recruitment specialist who would justify their position by chopping the £200,000 a year recruitment ad spend by half. The council intends to pull more of its local press advertising and switch to www.jobsgopublic.com

Pubs update

New owners of the Rampant Cat are close to signing up the Woolton Hill pub, which is regarded as the hub of village life. The pub at Broadlayings has a 50 seater restaurant and room for the same again in the bar, and is noted for it’s occasional live music.

Meanwhile, there’s little activity in the local pubs market, with the Old Waggon & Horses still on the market after several months with an asking price of £115,000 a year, and has a manager installed. Further afield, and Lebanese owner Jean Claude Rawady has put the Bladebone Inn at Chapel Row on the market for £99,500 a year.