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WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
THE NEW NAME FOR THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, October 15, 2020 No. 283 70p
No trick or treating this year
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By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today FAMILIES across the borough are being advised to avoid trick or treating this year.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) is asking people to rethink which Hallowe’en traditions they participate in this autumn. Knocking on doors and taking sweets from bowls that could be touched by many people is being discouraged in order to protect trick or treaters and households alike. Instead, the PPP – run by three councils including Wokingham borough – suggests families should enjoy the spooky season differently this year. Rather than trick or treating, the partnership has suggested trying pumpkin trails – where families head out together to look for houses with Hallowe’en decorations. And each time they spot one, children can get a sweet. This gives youngsters the opportunity to dress up and go out on a walk while remaining safe and protecting others, the PPP said. Earlier this month, Wokingham.Today reported on a number of Covid-safe Hallowe’en events being held across the borough. The partnership also recommended that families arrange their own Hallowe’en themed scavenger hunts at home to ensure the streets are not too busy on Saturday, October 31. “Hallowe’en during the Covid-19 pandemic is one that’s likely not to be forgotten, so get creative in how you celebrate with your children in a way that protects both your family and others,” a spokesperson for the PPP said. “If you are out and about, or planning activities at home, please remember the rule of six and not to gather in groups of more than six people — including children. “Also, remember social distancing on a night which might be busier than normal on the pavements.”
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COULD NEW HOSPITAL BE IN SHINFIELD? RBH one of 23 to be rebuilt with Government funds
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A NEW state-of-the-art hospital could be on the cards after the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust secured a share of the £3.7 billion government programme funding healthcare improvements.
And Wokingham Borough Council’s health executive said that he would
welcome discussions for the new hospital to be built in the borough. Confirmed by the prime minister earlier this month, the capital project was originally proposed in the 2019 election manifesto, and is now moving forward. Forty hospitals have been approved for building or rebuilding, including Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Reading hospital, where the
“ageing estate” will be replaced “to tackle significant critical backlog”. Despite its £152 million makeover in 2006, the hospital is operating beyond its current capacity and expected local population growth will cause a further rise in service demand. In response, the trust has launched a public consultation to listen to what the community wants for the rebuild. � Continued on page 4
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