Liberal Democrat analysis of the latest NHS England data shows that 2025 is projected to see the worst level of 12-hour trolley waits in A&E ever recorded. Locally, a shocking 6,450 patients waited 12 hours in the Royal Berkshire Hospital A&E in 2025.

The Lib Dem plan would end 12-hour waits and hospital ‘corridor care’ within a year.

Making 6,000 extra hospital beds available to end corridor care within a year.
Investing in 1,000 more staffed hospital beds.
Extra investment in social care to reserve 1,600 “safety net” social care places each day, for hospitals to discharge into if they need to.
Extra step-down care – freeing up 1,200 beds a day.
Making more beds available in care homes and hospitals.
The proposal would be funded by cancelling the planned medicine price hike agreed with the Trump administration before Christmas, which is set to cost the NHS over £3bn a year despite minimal benefits for patients.

Commenting, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor Anne Thompson, said:

“For too long, people in Reading have suffered with degrading waits and treatment in hospital corridors. Our NHS staff are working so hard, but have been let down by those in power. It is a national emergency, and it is devastating our NHS – we need a real plan to fix it.

“Liberal Democrats are offering the bold solutions we need to free up our hospitals and end the A&E crisis once and for all. No government should tolerate this disaster, and ministers should be held legally accountable if they continue to fail in their duty to protect patients.”

Reading has spoken — and Prospect Park has been crowned the town’s favourite green space!

To mark Love Parks Week, we asked local residents to tell us which park holds a special place in their hearts. Back in June, over 500 people cast their votes in our very first “Reading’s Favourite Park” poll, celebrating the many beautiful open spaces we’re lucky to have.

Throughout last week, we revealed the results on our social media channels, sharing short videos of residents explaining why each park means so much to them. The countdown went like this:

• 5th place – Forbury Gardens (featuring Fiona)
• 4th place – Palmer Park (featuring Margaret)
• 3rd place – Arthur Newbery Park (featuring Rosie)
• 2nd place – Caversham Court (featuring Jost and Michael)

Finally, in the top spot — Prospect Park! 🌳 Resident Eileen tells us why this much-loved space is such a community favourite in the video linked above (and in the button below).

From its sweeping lawns to its stunning views, it’s no surprise that Prospect Park has taken home the title in our first ever poll. Congratulations to all our parks — and here’s to many more picnics, walks, and sunny afternoons spent enjoying them.

The Soul Town Festival is set to light up Croydon Road Recreation Ground in Beckenham, London, this summer, as it returns on August 31st and September 1st, 2024. Known for its vibrant celebration of funk, soul, Motown, disco, and house music, the festival has just unveiled its highly anticipated lineup, promising a weekend filled with legendary performances and unforgettable experiences.

This year’s festival kicks off on Saturday with a star-studded roster of artists. Headlining the day are The Four Tops, the iconic American vocal group that defined the sound of the ’60s. Joining them are R&B and soul favorites Tavares, the smooth rhythm and blues of Atlantic Starr, and the disco anthems of The Trammps. Odyssey, Gwen Dickey, and Julie McKnight round out a day that promises to be a musical journey through the golden eras of soul and disco.

Sunday’s lineup is equally impressive, with the Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay leading the charge. Reggae legend Maxi Priest will bring his signature sound to the stage, while soul singer Kenny Thomas and the powerful vocals of Jocelyn Brown add to the day’s soulful atmosphere. R&B group Damage, along with David Grant and Cool Notes, will ensure the weekend ends on a high note.

Soul Town’s music will be showcased across two main stages, each enhanced by immersive lighting and visual effects that promise to elevate the live performances. Beyond the music, festival-goers can indulge in culinary delights from over 40 street food vendors, sip cocktails at the beach-themed bar, or explore the premium gin garden.

The festival’s Saturday is reserved for adults, offering a more laid-back yet lively atmosphere. On Sunday, the event opens its doors to families, with a variety of activities designed to keep children entertained, including face painting and fairground rides.

Tickets for Soul Town are on sale now. To ensure you don’t miss out, be sure to sign up for a ticket alert. This year’s festival promises to be a standout event in London’s summer calendar, offering something for music lovers of all ages.