Thatcham
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FREE INSIDE THIS ISSUE Rainbow Run
7 DAY
Paddington creator awarded with CBE
race is just what the doctor ordered
TV GUIDE
Page 8
FREE!
Page 7
On your marks, for the junior fun run...
THATCHAM’S Family Fun Day returns to the town on Sunday, which this year also includes the Junior Fun Run in the Field. A host of entertainment will be on offer during the day at the Henwick
Worthy Sports Ground, including a vintage car show, dog show and fancy dress. It has been organised by the Thatcham Sports Network and the Rotary Club of Thatcham and Dis-
trict, raising money for a number of different charities. See page 3 for full story. • Runners getting ready for last year’s fun run
MP’S APPEAL FOR FLOOD FUNDING A REQUEST for government cash to fund the start of the final part By Adam Flinn of Thatcham’s flood defences has been made by the town’s MP Richard adam@observergroup.co.uk Benyon. The Conservative MP addressed ask for support to complete plans for the environment secretary Elizabeth the fi nal segment of the scheme. Truss in parliament last Thursday to It comes after 1,100 homes in That-
cham were badly flooded in 2007 as water cascaded down the nearby hills and into homes. Since then plans have been put in place to build four water retention basins on the outskirts of the town, that would catch and hold the water before releasing it slowly over time.
The fi rst has already been built at the bottom of Cold Ash Hill, while work on the second north of Tull Way is due to begin later this year. But more funding is needed to pay for the planning phase of the remaining two ponds – above the Dunston Park estate and above the Kennet Lea and
Kennet Heath estates – and a funding campaign to raise the money has been launched. Mr Benyon said: “Thatcham has dug deep into its pockets, as has the local council, and the last piece of the jigsaw is now ready to be put in place.â€? • Continues on page 3
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