Charvil News December 2024

Dear Charvil Residents,

First, I want to apologise for not writing to you in the previous edition of Charvil News and to express my sincere thanks for your support in May’s local elections. My start as your councillor has been a bit unconventional – balancing council work with the exciting arrival of my son in June. While this made for a unique first few months, I’ve been fully committed to my role and have attended all full council meetings since my election!

These past few months have been a steep learning curve as I get to grips with my role, planning policies, and local government functions. One of the driving forces behind my decision to stand for election was to take action on the climate emergency, and I’m proud to serve as vice-chair of the Climate Emergency Oversight and Scrutiny Committee. If you’re interested in learning more about the steps Wokingham Borough Council is taking or how you can reduce your own emissions, I encourage you to visit the ‘Climate Emergency Hub’ on the WBC website.

One of my key priorities is improving walking and cycling options in our village. I will soon be meeting with officers to discuss ways to improve problematic junctions around the A4. If you have specific concerns or suggestions, please do get in touch.

At the time of writing, I’m preparing to address the Planning Committee regarding the application for 75 homes off Park Lane, opposite the primary school. I know that many of you have expressed concerns about the impact on congestion and local services. I will be carefully considering these points as I speak to the committee.

As many of you know, funding continues to be a significant challenge for local authorities. With the rising costs of adult and children’s social care now making up the majority of our budget, tough decisions are being made to protect the financial stability of our services. I am committed to working with you all to address these challenges and to make Charvil a better place for everyone. Your voice is important – whether it’s on improving local infrastructure, tackling climate change, or planning for future growth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any thoughts, concerns, or questions.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working together.

Katrin

Katrin.harding@wokingham.gov.uk

07466 146 674