Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
Having recently met with residents in Stanford Dingley who are having to deal with raw sewage emerging from manhole covers throughout the village, this week I have written to the Chief Executive of Thames Water calling on them to take action to sort out this appalling situation. I have also heard back this week on my campaign to improve mobile coverage in parts of the constituency (more information below). And in Parliament, as we marked LGBT+ History Month, it was a privilege to be able to celebrate the courage of those who came before us, mark how far we have come, and reflect on the work we’re doing to build on that progress.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Calling for action on sewage in Stanford Dingley
Following my recent visit to Stanford Dingley, I have written to the Chief Executive of Thames Water, calling for them to take responsibility and sort out the appalling situation where residents are having to deal with raw sewage emerging from manhole covers throughout the village.
This is not a new problem. For nearly twenty years, residents have been calling for Thames Water to address the root cause of the issue – water entering and flooding the sewage system upstream from the village. What is more frustrating is that volunteer campaigners have identified the likely cause of the problem, using data from Thames Water’s own network. Yet Thames have failed to act.
Residents also feel that their genuine concerns have been ignored, So, I have also called for proper engagement from Thames Water so that residents are kept up to date on the action that they are taking.
Consultation on bathing water status for Pangbourne Meadows
On Friday the Government announced a consultation on whether to give a number of sites around the UK, including Pangbourne Meadows official bathing water status.
I know this spot is incredibly important to the local community, which is exactly why I have been working with local police to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, and alongside local people, successfully campaigned for a Public Spaces Protection Order.
Bathing water status would mean regular water quality testing, ensuring that people could swim with confidence. After years of Thames Water getting away with polluting the Pang and the Thames, this is such a welcome step forward towards a river we can all enjoy.
It’s vital that local people have their say, and you can let me know your thoughts here: https://oliviabailey.co.uk/pangbourne-meadows-bathing-water/ and I will share them with the government.
You can also contribute directly to the government consultation here:
Rural mobile coverage update
A huge thanks again to everyone who has been in touch about poor mobile coverage in parts of Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
This week, I have heard back from Vodafone who have told me about some of the upgrades they are currently working on. I am going to meeting with them shortly to talk to them in more detail about the challenges that residents face.
I’ve also heard back from Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group – which is operated by all of the councils across Berkshire. They work with all of the mobile providers to try to improve coverage. And, again I am going to be meeting with them shortly.
I will update residents with more details after these meetings.
End to surprise price hikes as providers sign up to Telecoms Consumer Charter
There was good news this week for mobile and broadband customers as providers signed up to the Government’s new Telecoms Consumer Charter, pledging to end unexpected mid‑contract price rises and make social tariffs easier to access.
That means an end to those surprise price hikes and clearer upfront pricing, saving eligible households up to £220 a year.
We’re also launching a Mobile Market Review to identify the barriers to investment in fast, reliable connectivity across the country.
LGBT+ History Month
As we marked LGBT+ History Month in Parliament this week (LINK TO VIDEO), it was a privilege to celebrate the courage of those who came before us, mark how far we have come, and reflect on the work we’re doing to build on that progress.
This Government will always stand with LGBT+ people against the politics of division and hate, and we will protect and extend LGBT+ rights.
This includes fulfilling our manifesto commitments to equalise hate crime laws and bring forward a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.
Small Business Spotlight
It was great to pop into Birch Bread in Pangbourne today. I picked up a gorgeous quiche for lunch and some delicious breads for half term! They are a fantastic local business so do give them a visit.
Tilehurst Drop-in surgery
Thanks to everyone who came to my drop-in surgery in Tilehurst on Thursday evening. As well as my regular surgeries by appointment, I will be holding more drop-in surgeries over the coming months. Do keep an eye out for details.
Date for your diary
Meet Your MP, Tilehurst, 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 22 February If you live in Tilehurst and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, you can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/tilehurst-meet-your-mp/
Open discussion on social media use by under-16s, evening of Thursday 5 March. Share your perspectives with me as your constituency MP. The points raised at this event will then be fed back to the government’s consultation. You can register here
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Olivia