BREWING UP A HOUSE SPECIAL

GOOD NEIGHBOURS Room with a brew: Saranjeet opens cafe-gym in his garage

FRESHLY MADE: Saranjeet Singh has launched his own coffee company in Earley Pictures: Dijana Capan BREW UP: Saranjeet learnt how to create great blends

FULL OF BEANS:

Saranjeet’s coffee powder

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A NEW community focused café and strength training gym has opened in Earley.

Singh Brews, created by Saranjeet Singh, combines his love of good coffee and physical well-being with a hunger to reconnect to the community.

“The pandemic started, and we were all working from home, so I decided to convert my garage into my own personal café and an area to workout in,” said Saranjeet.

However, after discovering that some of his neighbours felt isolated due to Covid-19 restrictions, he decided to invite them to join him.

“I wanted to open it up to my neighbours who were looking for a friendly chat, and maybe suffering from loneliness, but couldn’t go into the town.

“I have a hunger for re-connection with my community since the pandemic started and if I can help one person during these tough times then I have made a difference,” he explained.

After completing a barista course and working in a café, Saranjeet developed an understanding of the brewing process and wanted to share his passion with others.

“I want to give the community a taste of specialty coffee at an affordable price.

“Good things shouldn’t cost a fortune and if you can’t afford the high street prices we are an alternative,” he said.

As well as artisan coffee, Singh Brews offers a range of herbal teas, homemade bakes and cookies.

The snacks on offer at the Hilltop Road venue are not your traditional carb-loaded pastries as Saranjeet sought out recipes which had a nutritional benefit as well.

“I wanted to bake but as I was getting more health conscious I wanted to avoid the unnecessary sugars and processed foods,” he said.

Alongside a refreshment you can access the on-site strength-training gym.

Saranjeet is a strong advocate for physical activity improving mental health and invites people to get involved and enjoy the benefits.

“It’s not a big space, but it’s functional and people are welcome to use it if they send us a message in advance,” said Saranjeet.

Singh Brews is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. n For more information, or to book a gym session, follow @Singhbrews on Instagram.

Turtle music fest will help motor neurone charity

COMING UP: Fresh coffee from bean to cup

IN HOT WATER: Saranjeet prepares a speciality drink GOOD TO GO: The finished cup A FEAST of music will help raise much needed funds for medical research.

On Saturday, The Purple Turtle will host Motofest in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The matinee show will feature live music from bands and DJs, all with one aim: boosting the coffers of the charity.

Organiser, Rob Callaghan, created the event after a close friend was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year.

“Deb is a fitness fanatic and hosted weekly Zumba classes so was a very fit individual,” he said.

“It started with some odd pains in her hip and shoulder, but as each month went by her mobility got worse.

“Her progression has happened really fast and she is now fully reliant on a wheelchair and assistance to get around.”

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves and gets worse over time.

Currently, there is no cure but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life.

“It’s terrible because there’s nothing you can do about it.

“You don’t know how severe it is until it affects someone you know and care about,” said Rob.

The MNDA focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those affected in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“The MNDA has been great in helping Deb get the best care possible and also offering support to her husband Ray.

“We want to raise as much as we can to help the fight against this disease.”

The music on Saturday will come from The Highwasters, Doops and Bare Groove DJs.

The gig, taking place at the Gun Street venue, starts at 3pm, and tickets can be bought in advance or on the door for £5. n For more information, or to book tickets, log onto fatsoma.com n Donations can also be made online at JustGiving/ motofest.

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READY: The Royal Berkshire Hospital

RBH has ‘tried and tested plans’ for pandemic surge

THE ROYAL Berkshire Hospital has “strong, tried and tested plans” to deal with a surge in the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said that staff are working closely with colleagues in GP surgeries, community health, local authorities and other health and social care providers to deal with the challenges of rising infections.

The spokesperson said: “While the hospital is under considerable pressure our staff are coping and we are continuing to provide care to everyone who needs it.

“Throughout the pandemic we have maintained essential services for local people who are booked in for operations, along with those needing cancer care, outpatients appointments and access to the diagnostics service.”

The trust is urging residents to “do their bit” to support the NHS, by booking their covid vaccinations and booster jab.

“The vaccinations are the best and most effective way of protecting everyone from the virus, particularly Omicron which is very virulent in the community,” they said.

“Anyone eligible for the vaccination can book an appointment on the NHS website or by ringing 119. Please don’t ring the hospital or GP surgery.”

The hospital reports that its Emergency Department is under particular pressure, with staff urging residents to only attend in an emergency.

Urgent healthcare is available from local GPs, pharmacists and on the NHS 111online service, the trust spokesperson explained.

“The hospital is still allowing visitors as we believe it’s important for patients who are very ill to be able to see a loved one,” they added.

“However, we are limiting visiting to one person per patient, once a day for one hour.

“Visits to adult wards must be booked in advance with the ward manager and people must show evidence of a negative lateral flow test before they are allowed on the wards.

“They must also wear masks during their time on the hospital site.”

The trust called on residents to continue to stick to the hands, face, space regulations and test themselves regularly.

“Help us to help you by doing as much as possible to prevent the spread of the virus,” the spokesperson said.

Road closure causing delays in Reading

A ROAD closure near the A33 is causing delays for drivers in Reading.

Rose Kiln Lane has been temporarily closed in a southbound direction, up to the central island where the road meets the A33.

The works are caused by Scottish and Southern Electricity, who are laying new electricity cables in the area.

Diversions are in place and signposts will take people along Berkley Avenue via the Bath Road and Castle Hill.

Drivers will then need to travel over the IDR, using either the Oracle or Oxford Road roundabouts, and out towards the A33. The work is taking place between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays, and 8am to 8pm on weekends. Outside of these times, the closure will be lifted and will not be in place on football match days to avoid further disruption. Motorists can expect the roadworks to be in place until Sunday, February 6. Xbox stolen from Tilehurst home

THIEVES broke into a Tilehurst home and stole an Xbox and a laptop.

The incident took place sometime between noon on Thursday, December 30, and 1.30pm on Tuesday, January 4.

Thames Valley Police said that the burglars broke into the home in Wheeler Court, off Armour Hill, by forcing a window.

Anyone with information, CCTV or doorbell footage is asked to report them via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220004082.

Runs don’t get tougher than this

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

THE Woodcote 10k returned on Sunday, with runnings enjoying a fresh, sunny morning.

After missing a year due to the pandemic, an entry list of 395 runners embarked on the challenging course and raised a huge amount for charity.

The race is known for its tough climbs, and with less than one-mile of level terrain, it proved a hard but enjoyable task for the participants.

Jerry Wilson, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Pangbourne who organises the fundraiser, said: “We are very, very pleased with how the event went this year.

“It was a glorious morning and I think everyone was pleased to be out in the fresh air.

“The gods were certainly shining down on us with the weather.”

Joe Godwood produced a record-setting pace of 32 minutes 34 seconds to win the event, 49 seconds quicker than any time recorded in the last decade.

Early indication’s show more than £5,000 has been generated, with 60% of the proceeds being donated to Parkinson’s UK.

The remaining 40% will be used by the Rotary Club to support other notable causes in the community throughout the year. COFFEE TO GO: Runners prepare for the Woodcote 10k on Sunday Pictures: Dijana Capan

A competitor waits for the start Sponsor & race starter Bob Warmingham with Clive Williams

New EuroMillions millionaire is celebrating after secret win

A MYSTERY EuroMillions winner, known only as Mrs H, has scooped a Christmas win.

Lucky Mrs H, from Berkshire, scooped a prize of £1,000, 000 on Friday, December 24.

She won the amount in the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker draw.

Camelot’s Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at The National Lottery congratulated Mrs H on becoming a millionaire.

“She can now look forward to living the millionaire lifestyle this year with her new-found fortune,” he said.

Mrs H has chosen to release some details through partial publicity.

The Berkshire local played a Lucky Dip on The National Lottery’s website to win her prize.

She is one of more than eight million players that win each week on range of games.

Players can also buy tickets in retail outlets.

Mrs H becomes one of more than 6,100 millionaires or multi-millionaires created since The National Lottery’s launch in 1994.

Players generate more than £30 million each week for National Lottery-funded projects.

The money raised helps support a wide range of causes, including local charities and Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

To date, more than £43 billion has been raised for National Lottery Good Causes, with more than 635,000 individual grants awarded.

Charities and organisations are also benefitting from a £600 million community fund to help those affected by the pandemic.

Runs don’t get tougher than this

Teams came together to run for the first time in 2022 Stretching before the race begins

Friends came together for the challenge All smiles before the race starts Members of the Dellwood Dashers

Members of Reading Roadrunners took part in the event

AND THEY’RE OFF: Runners on the course

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Welcomebacktoourmonthlycolumnaboutallthings brewinginReading.Ifyouhaven’theardofusortried ourtastycraftbeersbeforeweareDouble-Barrelled Brewery.FoundedbymyselfLuci,andmyhusbandMike youcanfindusatourmicrobreweryandTaproomjust offPortmanRoadinTilehurst! Januaryisallaboutnew starts,newyear resolutionsandplansfor thefuture–inJanuarythe brewingindustry celebrates“TRYanuary”theopportunitytotrynew experimentalbeersfrom yourfavourite independentbreweriesor onesyou’veneverheardof before! Ifyou’relookingtowiden yourbeerrepertoireand exploresomenewstyles thenyou’llloveourlatest OatmealMilkStout“What TheCuss?”–thislittleseen Co-founderandmanagingdirector,Luci styleissilkysmooth,rich, chocolateyandcomforting –greatforcurlinguponthecouchonacoldwinter’s night,perhapswithyourfavouriteWesAndersonfilm. OrmaybeourlatestIPADreamingInColour?Pouringa vividyellowandburstingwithtropicalnotes–thisisa brilliantintroductiontotheworldofcontemporary Britishcraftbeers–soft,unfilteredandaromatic. Believeus,onceyou’vetriedoneyou’llbehooked! Aftertheindulgenceofthefestiveseasonmanyare lookingtoreducetheirunitintake,butweallstillwant tobeabletoenjoyatippleafterabusydayatwork.So tokeepthingsatthelowerendofthestrength spectrumwe’vebrewedanewTableBeer:“Tischtennis”. What’saTableBeeryousay?Thesetastylittlenumbers wereoriginallybrewedbyBelgianmonksasalow strengthdrinktoenjoyatmealtimes,butinthemodern beerworldtheyareallaboutmaximumflavourwithlow strength.Thisbeautyclocksinat2.8%andtakesusona globalhoptourwithGermanMandarinaBavariafor sweetorangeflavours,andAmericanhopduoBRU-1 andElDoradowhichbringjuicytropicalfruitslike pineappleandmangototheparty! Obviouslytheworldisinaperiod ofCOVIDuncertaintyatthe momentandwhilstwewouldlove toinviteyoutojoinusatour onsitebaratthebrewery–The Taproom–everyFridayand Saturdayforbreweryfreshbeersto enjoyin,youcanalwaysgrabour beersonourwebshop,withnext daydeliveryandfreelocalFriday deliveryforspendsover£30 availabletoo! Sowiththat–wehopeyouhavea safemonthofbeerexploration, andformorenewsfromthe brewerybesuretofollowuson socialmediaonFacebook, InstagramandTwitter! U N I T 2 0 S T A D I U M W A Y , R E A D I N G , R G 3 0 6 B X

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LOOKING

BACK: A celebration of the Biscuitmen – now the Royals – is coming to Reading Museum

A right Royals celebration is coming to museum

THERE might not be much to celebrate on the pitch at the moment, but football fans will be over the moon about a new exhibition.

Reading FC is 150 years old this season, and in that time have played at the highest level and some of the lowest.

Regardless of how this season ends, the Royals – or the Biscuitmen for those with long memories and sweet tooths – will be a proud part of the town’s story.

To celebrate, Reading Museum is organising a special exhibition, which opens next month. Appropriately, it will be in the Sir John Madejski Academy.

It will feature rare memorabilia, and a chance to look back down football’s memory lane.

The free exhibition opens on February 19, and runs through to August 6.

This means that the Reading Festival exhibition is coming to an end. Its curtain call will be on Saturday, January 15. n For more details, log on to: www.readingmuseum.org.uk

Rough sleepers offered shelter and vaccinations

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A NEW scheme will help Reading’s homeless population get vaccinated against covid.

Launched by the council in conjunction with the NHS and homeless charity St Mungo’s, the project also provides accommodation for rough sleepers across the winter.

To fund the project, £184,000 of grants has been provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ (DLUHC) Protect and Vaccinate programme.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, lead member for housing at Reading Borough Council, said: “It is so important that this funding has been released to assist with our continuing support for those sleeping rough in Reading.

“We are helping by providing residents with accommodation throughout the winter months and also giving them vital access to vaccinations.”

The project sees all those in receipt of accommodation offered their first, second and booster covid jabs, thanks to mobile vaccination centres.

These will be sited at day centres and places where homelessness services take place. SUPPORT:L Reading Borough Council is offering accommodation and vaccinations to rough sleepers this winter

St Mungo’s Reading outreach coordinator Wendy Dobbs said: “We are pleased to be working with the council to support those who are most vulnerable and to prevent Covid-19 from becoming a permanent health crisis for people experiencing homelessness.

“Many of the people we support find it difficult to access health services, and vaccine uptake among people experiencing homelessness remains low.

“This funding will support our work to build trust and facilitate access to vaccines, while also providing emergency accommodation to protect people from the combined threat of the Omicron variant and Covid-19.”

This scheme follows the opening of 40 modular homes in Caversham Road last November as the Council continues to find ways to help the homeless in the town.

Over the Christmas period, thanks to St Mungo’s, the site was able to help 40 people.

It is hoped the new homes will give the opportunity for people to rebuild their lives through longer term accommodation, paired with the essential support to break the rough sleeping.

The £2m investment to install the temporary homes was funded with help from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of its Next Steps Accommodation programme to address rough sleeping.

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FULL-TIME: Mark Arkwell’s temporary role is now permanent

Mark given fire service role on full-time basis

A TEMPORARY role is to become permanent, following a recruitment search.

Last week, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service announced that Mark Arkwell is to be the new deputy chief fire officer. It’s a role he’s held on a temporary basis since January last year.

His full-time appointment was ratified by the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority on Wednesday, January 5.

Wayne Bowcock, RBFRS’s chief fire officer, said: “I would like to congratulate Mark. He has an outstanding record and will be focused on continuing to provide the best possible service to the people of Royal Berkshire.

“With more than 22 years’ of Service in Surrey and Royal Berkshire, Mark has a wealth of experience and skill and will be well placed to lead the Service on the next stage on its journey of continuous improvement.”

And Mr Arkwell was proud and honoured with his new role.

“It is a privilege to work alongside so many exceptional colleagues and Fire Authority Members and I am looking forward to continuing to improve our Service for the benefit of the people of Royal Berkshire,” he said.

Travelling to Waterloo on Sunday? Catch the bus, not the train

ENGINEERING work means rail users will need to catch a bus this weekend.

Services between Reading and Bracknell and Reading and Guildford are affected by the line shutdown on Sunday, January 16.

Rail replacement buses will be in use instead

This affects people catching a train from Reading to get to either Gatwick Airport, or London Waterloo, and stations in between the destinations.

The routes are operated by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway respectively.

Rail replacement buses will run throughout the day, ensuring people can still get to their destinations.

People using these services are asked to ensure they have a valid train ticket before getting on the bus.

Covid-safe measures will also be in place. n For more details, log on to: https://www.nationalrail. co.uk/service_disruptions/ currentAndFuture

Charity appeals for helpers to them a ring

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A CHARITY is appealing for volunteers to help keep a vital lifeline going.

Berkshire Vision, which helps those who have vision impairments, launched a befriending service during the first lockdown, to ensure the people it helps stay in touch by phone.

It says this has had a hugely positive impact on its members, with more than 400 people receiving regular telephone calls.

This allowed the charity to provide a welfare check, monitoring for changes in vulnerability and give support with issues of accessing food and medication during lockdown, as well as, clearly, reducing social isolation through befriending.

Bekrhisre Vision says that by July 4, 2020 – the end of the first lockdown measures – more than 4,239 calls had been made, totalling more than 81,084 minutes.

Last year, the service grew, and provided more than 97,000 minutes of befriending calls.

Recognising the success of the service, and looking to cope with the increased demand, Berkshire Vision is appealing for people to join in as callers.

Due to the enormous success of the service and increased demand Berkshire Vision continued to offer telephone befriending and last year more 97,000 minutes of telephone befriending calls were made, which Berkshire Vision says helped to reduce isolation and loneliness, which is often made worse by sight loss.

One of the people who benefited from the calls is Ruby, who said: “Having Mary call me each week made a huge difference in a troubled time. Whoever thought up the befriending service deserves a medal,”

Ruby and Mary finally got to meet in person in the summer of 2021 and have now built a long-lasting friendship.

And one of the callers, David, said: “It’s great to catch up with people regularly, telephone befriending has helped me as much as it has helped the people I have been supporting”

With the pandemic continuing into 2022, and with winter months still ahead, the requests to continue the service from members, many of whom are vulnerable and are choosing to stay at home, and volunteers has been overwhelming and Berkshire Vision says its telephone befriending service is as important as ever.

It welcomed calls from people who have an hour or two to spare each week to call one of its members and have a chat.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “You will discover how rewarding it is to build a new friendship and help them feel less isolated.” n For more details, or to volunteer, call Berkshire Vision on 0118 987 2803, or email: info@ berkshirevision.org.uk ALL CHANGE: An application for revamping Yates’ licencing conditions has been made Picture: Tevye Markson

Is it the last post for Yates in Reading town centre?

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

ONCE, it was Reading’s go-to destination for sending letters, but it could be the last post for a popular bar.

Yates on Friar Street has been a key part of the town centre’s nighttime economy since the 1990s, taking over the from the historic Post Office.

Its owners, Stonegate have sent a letter of their own – to Reading Borough Council – asking for permission to open longer.

Under the new licence application, it would host live and recorded music, film screenings and a range of other activities. And the application suggests that the bar will become a Slug & Lettuce, rather than a Yates, a sister to the branch at The Oracle: Stonegate refers to the bar, in 7-9 Friar Street, as “Slug & Lettuce (currently known as Yates)”.

A spokesperson for Stonegate was unable to confirm whether Yates would change, and no planning application has yet been submitted to change the external signage.

The spokesperson said: “As part of our on-going review of our estate, we often consider alternative options for our businesses.

“There is currently no timeframe for any potential changes to Yates in Reading.”

Yates has had a chequered past. In 2008, it featured in an episode of the BBC show Rogue Restaurants, which led to the kitchens being closed for a refurbishment.

And in 2020, the bar was placed under review after a mass brawl on New Year’s Eve 2019 into 2020 saw a man knocked unconscious.

Stonegate closed the venue temporarily and said it would ban drill music, which its legal representatives implied attracted “a particular demographic of people” responsible for the brawl.

The music genre has been criticised for violent references and drug laden content.

Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee chose to limit Yates’ opening hours to 7am-12.30am Sunday to Thursday, and 7am-1.30am

Friday and Saturday. The new application requests opening until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and sale of alcohol, and playing of music, to be permitted from 8am to midnight Sunday to Thursday. Late night food would be available from 11pm to midnight on Thursdays, and until 2am on Friday and Saturday. Live music, dance performances and anything similar could be performed from 10am to midnight Monday to Thursdays, until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays. If films are allowed, these could be screens from 7am daily until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 2am on Friday and Saturday. The application will be decided at a future meeting of Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee. Stonegate also owns the Be at One, Popworld and Walkabout brands, and The Boundary pub, which used to be called Pavlov’s Dog, in St Mary’s Butts. Bikers asked to save date for Egg Run

AN EASTER tradition will make a welcome return this year.

The Thames Vale Vultures is preparing for the Berkshire Egg Run on Good Friday. This sees motorcyclists go on a drive to donate Easter eggs.

The annual event has been paused due to covid, so this year organisers are hoping for a bumper crop of chocolate goodies. It hopes to collect more than 1,000 eggs, donated by more than 300 bikers.

The group will meet at 11.30am at Stadium Way Industrial Estate from the Scours Lane end. Then, from 12.30pm, they will head out to the Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green for a presentation and refreshments.

Eggs will be collected by the Rotary Club of Reading Abbey and donated to charities and organisations such as Thrive, Brookfields School and Parents and Children Together. n For more details, email eggrun@tvvultures.co.uk or call or text Mick on 07827 475391.

Missing no more – The Link reopens

A COMMUNITY café in Tilehurst has reopened following a break due to covid.

The Link on School Road has been running for more than 30 years, and is managed and run by volunteers.

It offers refreshments, lunches and a listening ear to those who need it.

It is open on weekdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

New volunteers will be welcomed by the committee, with roles including working in the kitchen, serving customers and helping with laundry. n For more details, log on to thelinktilehurst.org

A THIEF broke into a Reading home and stole various items including a laptop, Xbox and a bicycle.

The incident took place between 3.30pm on Tuesday, December 28, and midnight Wednesday, December 29.

Thames Valley Police said the burglar gained entry to the property on Addington Road via a panel in the front door.

Anyone with information, CCTV or doorbell footage is asked to share with the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43210583487.

Tech gear stolen Ebanana Scrooge would be proud: Shoppers anger at festive tickets

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A CAVERSHAM shopper received a late festive gift that Ebanana Scrooge, the star of the Aldi’s Christmas advertising campaign, would be proud of – a parking ticket on Christmas Eve.

Yvonne Busby says that she is not the only one affected by a mix-up for the Aldi store at Vastern Road in Reading.

Keen to make the most of her day before Christmas, she took advantage of the store’s early opening hours of 7am, so she could stock up on essentials such as a sherry and mince pies for Santa later that evening.

But days after the bells rung for the new year, she discovered an unwelcome piece of post. No, not a Christmas card from a friend she’d forgotten to send one to, but a parking ticket for £100.

Normally, the free parking is from 8am in the morning, to ensure that it’s not abused by commuters. And Aldi shoppers like Ms Busby had other things on their minds, such as if she had enough Brussel sprouts and bread sauce, than to check that the store had informed the parking company.

And it turns out that while Aldi had advertised its Christmas special hours to the public, no one told UKPC, the parking company that manages the retail park.

So not only did Ms Busby receive a fine, but scores of others did too.

And they only discovered their collective misfortunes when a post about it brought them together on social media.

“I always shop there on a Friday morning,” Ms Busby said.

“I’ve got a routine – every week, I’ll go to Aldi, Morrison’s, Tesco and home. I’m always there at 8am opening time (on normal weeks) because I can’t be doing shopping with crowds.

“My parking ticket shows I arrived at 7am and left at 7.19am, so I wasn’t there that long.

“It’s just ridiculous. Aldi should have had a conversation with the parking people and said, ‘You know, just for Christmas week, we’re opening at 7am’.

“If you get some old woman who hasn’t got a bit of sense, or hasn’t got a computer or anything they’re going to panic and pay it straight away. The car park people are making a fortune. This should be the responsibility of Aldi.” WORSE THAN A LUMP OF COAL: Aldi gave its Vastern Road shoppers an unexpected Christmas present: a parking fine Picture: Aldi

Ms Busby said she had tried to get the store to sort the problem out, but had been unable to get through to head office.

She says that she had informed the store manager, who said he had had at least 20 people with the same problem.

“If everybody coughs up, 20 times £100 for parking half-anhour earlier, it’s just crazy.”

Ms Busby hoped that the tickets would be voided in a late Christmas miracle, and Aldi’s head office confirmed to Reading Today that they would.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are sorry for this mix up with the car park operator. Any early Christmas Eve shoppers who were affected should contact Aldi customer services team to arrange reimbursement.” n Aldi’s customer service team can be contacted by calling 0800 042 0800. Alternatively, log on to: customerservice.aldi.co.uk/ contact

More than 300 arrested during drink drive campaign

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

MORE than 300 people arrested in Thames Valley for drug or drink driving during festive season

HUNDREDS of people across the Thames Valley were arrested during the festive season for drink and drug driving.

It was part of Operation Holly, a crackdown by the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police to tackle the issue.

From Wednesday, December 1, until Saturday, January 1, 229 people were arrested for drink driving, and 152 people for drug driving.

Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Road Safety Unit, said: “These figures show that we will not tolerate drink or drug driving on the roads of the Thames Valley.”

The force conducted 1,541 alcohol breath tests, with 75 returning positive results. This means just 5% of those tested were over the limit.

But a significantly higher percentage were found drug driving.

Out of the 265 drug wipes carried out, there were 125 positive results, meaning that 47% of those tested had drugs in their system.

Sergeant Hazlett said: “The percentage of positive breath test results reflects what we already know – that the vast majority of road users follow the rules. I would like to thank everyone who drove responsibly over the festive season and helped to keep our roads safe.

“On the other hand, the percentage of positive drug wipes shows that drug driving remains an issue, across several age groups.”

Drivers aged 25 to 34 had the most positive drug wipes, at 37% of those tested, and drivers aged 35 to 49 made up 30% of those who tested positive.

These age groups had the most positive alcohol breath tests too, making up 37% and 36% of the total respectively.

“Although the operation has ended, we are still policing our roads and arresting drink and drug drivers on a daily basis,” Sergeant Hazlett said. “Make sure you drive responsibly so your name is not added to that list.”

Sergeant Hazlett said that police advice is clear — drinking alcohol or taking any drug, even if prescribed, can affect drivers’ ability behind the wheel.

“It’s not worth the risk,” he said.

Residents that know of anyone who is drink or drug driving can call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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 Upgrade to the Luffield Grandstand for £195pp

3 Days by Coach only £99 2 Days by Coach only £349 Single Supplement £30 Single Supplement £35

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.