The View from Shute End

Councillor Annette Drake writes...

Bad smells from the landfill site

Several people contacted me a couple of months ago about the worsening smell from the landfill site north of Lea Farm. The Environment Agency is monitoring the site because early in December pure methane gas was being pumped into the atmosphere. A blocked manifold was preventing the leachate flow after the last area of fill had been capped, and this was causing the problem. Another flare has been installed to alleviate this, and the Environment Agency continues to monitor the site. Please let me know if you experience any further problems.

New leisure facilities in Wokingham will open next year

The old Tesco site in Denmark Street will be converted into a prestigious 40,000 sq ft state-of-the-art gymnasium, swimming pool, studios for aerobics and yoga, with luxurious changing rooms, restaurant and a crèche. Surrounding the health and fitness centre - which will be run by a leading leisure company - will be a restaurant and bar which will occupy the remaining 20,000 sq ft of the site. The complex is due to open early in 2003 and the plans can be viewed at the Environmental Services Reception in the Civic Offices at Shute End.

New library at Forest School

A new library to be used by the school and the wider community is to be built in the grounds of the Forest School. The new facility will offer the latest high-tech facilities, including free Internet access and other information technology as well as a wide range of books and other stock to borrow. The first phase of the preparation work has already been completed, and the main building works are due to start in February. The facility should be ready for the public to use at the start of the new term in September.

Are you stuck in a rut, need a job change, or just a job?

May I remind you about the Wokingham Careers Centre, an education service with offices in the centre of Wokingham. This is a free service for people who are considering a career change as well as people who are not presently employed and who wish to return to work. Psychometric assessment tests can be arranged to help people choose a new career.

If you're interested then telephone 0118 978 xxxx or write to Wokingham Careers Centre:- St Florian House, Milton Road, Wokingham. RG40 1DB. Please make use of this service. It is subsidised by the District Council and is open to everyone who lives within Wokingham District Council area.