The question of whether Reading Borough Council (RBC) should incorporate nearby areas such as Theale, Pangbourne, Calcot, Purley-on-Thames, and Tilehurst has been a topic of local discussionin the streets and local forum. While on the surface it might seem practical to expand Reading’s administrative boundaries, a closer look at infrastructure, education, and community services suggests that maintaining these areas within West Berkshire is the preferable option.

Population and Demographics

Reading currently has an estimated 178,196 residents across 67,700 households (2024), making it a dense, urban area. In comparison, West Berkshire has an estimated 163,367 residents in 66,658 households (2021 Census), with a population density of 232 people per square kilometer. Theale, Pangbourne, Calcot, Purley-on-Thames, and Tilehurst benefit from being part of this more dispersed and rural district, which allows for a better quality of life in terms of space, community, and accessibility.

Education

Education is another area where West Berkshire outperforms Reading. Secondary schools in West Berkshire have a higher rate of Good or Outstanding ratings at 92%, compared to 80% in Reading. Primary school ratings also favour West Berkshire, reflecting the district’s strong commitment to educational excellence. Incorporating these areas into Reading could risk administrative disruption in schools that are currently performing well.

Infrastructure and Services

West Berkshire also leads Reading in terms of infrastructure and public services:

• Roads: Only 3% of West Berkshire’s roads require maintenance, lower than Reading’s proportion.
• Children’s Services: West Berkshire’s services were rated as Good, while Reading’s received a “Requires Improvement” rating.
• Sports Facilities: The district provides more sports facilities per 100,000 residents, supporting community health and recreation.
• Recycling: West Berskshire collects glass recycling at the kerbside.
  

Residents of the areas under consideration already rely on Reading for shopping, entertainment, and rail travel to London. However, these practical links do not outweigh the advantages of remaining in West Berkshire’s jurisdiction.

Urban vs. Rural Characteristics

Reading is a dense, urban borough with a high concentration of its population. West Berkshire, on the other hand, is largely rural with dispersed communities, though it has population centres in Newbury and Thatcham and a large suburban area adjoining Reading. This rural character, combined with strong services, makes West Berkshire a better fit for these communities.

Conclusion

While RBC is a dynamic and growing borough, incorporating Theale, Pangbourne, Calcot, Purley-on-Thames, and Tilehurst is not recommended. West Berkshire currently provides superior infrastructure, higher educational standards, and a well-serviced rural environment. Keeping these areas within West Berkshire ensures residents continue to enjoy these advantages without unnecessary disruption.

Reading is about to get a little more magical this winter. From Saturday 15th November 2025, the town will light up with its very first Winter Light Trail at Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins — a sparkling new event designed to delight visitors of all ages.

Take a 30–50 minute stroll through the historic grounds, now transformed into a glittering winter wonderland. From colourful light installations to twinkling pathways, every corner offers something to marvel at and photograph — the perfect backdrop for creating festive memories.

The fun doesn’t stop at the lights. Warm up with festive drinks from the bar, enjoy delicious treats from the food court, and even toast marshmallows under the glow of the sparkling displays. It’s an experience that’s as tasty as it is magical.

Open daily from 4pm to 8pm between 15th November 2025 and 4th January 2026, tickets start from just £7.95 for children and £11.95 for adults. Bring the whole family and step into a world of winter magic right in the heart of Reading.

📍 Where: Forbury Park Gardens, Reading
🎟 Tickets & Info: https://www.illuminatereading.co.uk/

Reading is falling just shy of England’s national recycling target, according to the latest government figures for 2023/24, with some nearby councils pulling well ahead.

Data released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reveals significant differences in how much household waste is being recycled across the south of England. While the national average sits at 44%, some councils are exceeding that by a wide margin — and others lagging far behind.

South Oxfordshire District Council leads the way for the second consecutive year, recycling 62.9% of its household waste. Close behind are the Vale of White Horse (60.7%) and Dorset Council (60.5%).

By contrast, councils like Portsmouth (27.9%), Gosport (26.3%), and Slough (24.9%) are well below the national average. Slough, which neighbours parts of Berkshire, has one of the lowest rates in the country.

In Berkshire, just three councils are currently meeting the target set in 2020 to recycle at least 50% of household waste:

Bracknell Forest – 55.7%
West Berkshire – 53.4%
Wokingham – 55.4%

Reading Borough Council recorded a recycling rate of 49.8%, narrowly missing the target. Nearby Windsor and Maidenhead also fell short, recycling 49.1% of waste.

The wide variation in performance is down to a mix of factors, including population density, housing types, and the amount of garden or organic waste being collected.

While Reading’s figures show progress, the close miss highlights the need for further improvement if the town is to meet future environmental goals and keep pace with neighbouring authorities.