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Don’t be daft – we don’t need to ban fireworks

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Some of your happiest memories when I was a child were at family or school fireworks displays. Freezing cold, eating jacket potatoes, sparklers in hands and ‘oo-ing’ and ‘ah-ing’ over the pretty explosions which lit up the inky, night sky.

Whether you called it Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, November 5 was one of the few times each year we got together with family and friends.

Now you are older, with a rescue dog, cat or a child who has always been sensitive to loud noises, you are less keen on the night.

Especially as it no longer lasts just one evening but fireworks can generally be heard from now until January. But an outright ban, or even allowing them only at official events is nonsense.

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At the moment, thosands of people have signed a petition to ban fireworks in public – which means the government will have to respond.

I won’t call these people fun police or killjoys as some people have, I can see why they want to put restrictions on fireworks displays.

As they say themselves, they ’cause alarm, distress and anxiety to many people and animals’.

What is needed instead though is better education on the danger of fireworks, tougher penalties for those misusing them and police cracking down on those who flout the rules, particularly those who give/sell them to under 18s.

If organising a garden display, just be a considerate human being.

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Make sure your neighbours are aware, perhaps even invite them over.

It’s easy to let people know – most of us are on social media and there are plenty of local noticeboards you can post on to let people know if you plan to let fireworks off for a lengthy amount of time.

If not, knock a few doors, particularly if you have elderly neighbours and those with children or pets.

Choose low noise or quiet fireworks (yes, they do exist) as well as follow safety advice and take precautions before setting them off.

And don’t be a git and let them off past 11pm.

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If we all followed these general rules it would probably help a lot.

Banning things rarely has the desired effect and will only mean that a ‘black market’ will open up which will make it even more dangerous and fireworks more likely to fall into the hands of youngsters and those who would act irresponsibly.

People point to the environmental damage caused by fireworks – perhaps then a green tax should be introduced to pay towards offsetting the damage caused?

And there are plenty of things which are more dangerous and/or cause more environmental damage than fireworks such as cars, dairy farming – should we also ban them?

We all have to live with things which annoy or upset us but we can’t go around and ban everything that upsets someone.

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Cheapest petrol and diesel in Reading this week!

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Here are the current lowest petrol and diesel prices in Reading as of today, Wednesday, March 27th.

Fuel prices are on the rise nationwide, and for many drivers, refueling is an unavoidable expense essential for daily life. However, prices can vary between different fuel stations, making it important to seek out the best deals locally.

UNLEADED
Applegreen Reading (Lower Earley service station)141.8p per litre
Morrisons, Reading142.7p per litre
Asda, Lower Earley142.7p per litre
Tesco Reading Extra142.9p per litre
Tesco Reading West Extra142.9p per litre
Sainsburys, Calcot142.9p per litre
DIESEL
Sainsburys, Calcot150.9p per litre
Applegreen Reading (Lower Earley service station)151.8p per litre
Tesco Reading Extra151.9p per litre
Tesco Reading West Extra151.9p per litre
Morrisons, Reading152.7p per litre
Asda, Lower Earley152.7p per litre

This information was gathered using data from Petrolprices, that has been recommended to drivers by Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis.

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Rivermead Leisure Centre’s pools opening this summer

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Residents of Reading are well acquainted with the unpredictability surrounding project timelines under the administration of Reading Borough Council. Nevertheless, it has recently been announced that preparations are underway to fill the newly constructed swimming pools at Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading, Berkshire, marking a significant step forward in the enhancement of local leisure amenities.

The ambitious endeavor is projected to span a 12-day period, during which approximately 1,700,000 liters of water will be introduced into the pools, laying the groundwork for an immersive aquatic experience for visitors.

Rivermead Leisure Centre, which unveiled its gym, studios, and soft play area to the public in July 2023, is now gearing up to further enrich its offerings with the imminent opening of the 25-meter main pool, a dedicated teaching and diving pool, and the exciting addition of a new splash pad, all set to be available for use during the upcoming summer season, as confirmed by the Reading Borough Council.

Enhancing the spectator experience, the facility boasts two seating areas capable of accommodating over 250 individuals, reflecting the council’s commitment to fostering community engagement through a £40 million investment in leisure infrastructure.

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While the leisure center is under the ownership of the council, operational responsibilities rest with Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), operating under the Better brand, ensuring seamless management and service delivery.

Distinguished by its versatility, the primary eight-lane swimming pool features a partially movable floor, facilitating adjustments from poolside level to a depth of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet), catering to a diverse array of activities ranging from rehabilitative exercises to dynamic water aerobics.

Complementing this flagship pool is its counterpart, specially designated for instructional purposes, complete with a dive tower and springboard, promising an enriching aquatic education experience for learners of all ages.

Even as sections of the leisure center are already operational, including the well-appointed gymnasium, forthcoming amenities such as an accessible Changing Places room, equipped with a hoist, underscore the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.

Adele Barnett-Ward, overseeing leisure and cultural initiatives at Reading Borough Council, expressed anticipation regarding the impending public unveiling of the pools, emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting health and well-being within the community. She further highlighted the anticipated appeal of the splash pad, envisioned as a focal point for family recreation and enjoyment.

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Symbolizing a moment of communal celebration, children from Oxford Road Community School congregated at the center to witness the inaugural flow of water into the expansive eight-lane pool, heralding a new era of aquatic leisure and recreation in Reading.

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Two chess boards have been installed in Prospect Park

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Two Berkshire parks, Prospect Park and Palmer Park in Reading, have recently been enhanced with concrete chess tables, designed to promote outdoor social interaction. These tables, complete with two-seater benches, create an inviting space for chess enthusiasts to gather and play.

The Reading Borough Council has facilitated this initiative, allowing individuals to bring their own chess sets or borrow one for a small deposit. In anticipation of the Reading Chess Club’s upcoming 125th anniversary, plans are underway to host tournaments at these tables during the summer season. David Deane, the club’s president, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a “fantastic initiative.”

Funding for this outdoor recreation endeavor was sourced from Levelling Up and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. Adele Barnett-Ward, responsible for leisure and culture at the council, highlighted the deliberate choice of Prospect Park and Palmer Park, recognizing them as vital community hubs. She believes that these chess tables have the potential to foster social inclusivity and combat isolation within the local communities, offering a free and accessible activity suitable for individuals of all ages.

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