
Calls for pedestrian crossing at 'dangerous' crossing
A protest took place near the four-way junction, one of Reading's busiest, at the weekend.Campaigners say visibility around the bend is poor, elderly people have difficulty crossing the road, and children using the nearby Sol Joel Park have had close calls too.
Mr White, who represents the Park ward, told the BBC: "At the moment it's a struggle to cross the road. "You're battling cars coming from all different directions, it's just a dangerous crossing to cross, and putting some more formal facilities there would help people get across to the shops and back to their homes."The Green group leader said it was "really disappointing" that no changes had been made since the fatal accident, even though Wokingham Borough Council had worked up some designs that had been passed on to Reading's council."Unfortunately as a councillor I've not seen those designs which is particularly disappointing," he said."Neither Wokingham nor Reading have shared the designs with me, and I think there's just some ping pong of designs, and foot dragging from both councils, because clearly it's a dangerous crossing. "It doesn't take eight years to design a crossing, to model it, to iron out any minor problems and get it installed."He added: "I hope we can get one in. There's definitely an appetite from the community."
You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Pebble Mill at One stars now - from criminal convictions to tragic death
BBC show Pebble Mill at One was an iconic magazine programme that ran throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s - and here's what happened to the original faces of the daytime series They were the familiar faces that lit up Britain's afternoons - the hosts, producers and personalities behind Pebble Mill at One, the BBC's beloved daytime magazine programme that ran from 1972 to 1986. Whether they were interviewing celebrities, dispensing gardening advice or covering human interest stories from the famous foyer of the Birmingham studio, the Pebble Mill team became a fixture of the nation's lunchtime telly. But what happened to the show's stars when the cameras stopped rolling? From telly legends who went on to headline primetime shows, to behind-the-scenes figures who subtly influenced British broadcasting, many continued to leave their mark across radio, film and theatre. Others quietly stepped out of the spotlight - while some faced scandals that shook their public persona. Here, we reminisce about the highs, lows and unexpected twists in the lives of Pebble Mill's most recognisable faces. From gardening guru Marian Foster and broadcasting legend Alan Titchmarsh to the late Donny MacLeod and troubled DJ Dave Lee Travis, here's what unfolded for the faces who once dominated daytime TV. Dave Lee Travis Dave Lee Travis was best known as the host of The Golden Oldie Picture Show and a DJ on BBC Radio 1. However, his career was later marred by legal issues. In 2014, he was found guilty of indecently assaulting a woman working on The Mrs Merton Show in 1995 and was handed a three-month suspended sentence. Though acquitted of several other accusations, the conviction resulted in the presenter's episodes of Top of the Pops being no longer repeated by the BBC. Travis expressed being "mortified" and "really disappointed" by the verdict. Despite the scandal, the now 80-year-old made a comeback to broadcasting. Throughout the years, Travis has presented programmes on various UK radio stations, including periods at Classic Gold, BBC Three Counties Radio, and United DJs Radio. In 2025, he hosts a Sunday morning programme on Heritage Chart Radio. Currently residing in Buckinghamshire with his Swedish wife Marianne, whom he wed in 1971, Travis enjoys photography and vintage automobiles. Jock Gallagher Gallagher began his BBC career in 1966 as a news producer and swiftly climbed the ladder, ultimately leading the Pebble Mill at One. His influence extended beyond the programme's triumph to nurturing celebrated BBC radio productions including The Archers, alongside programmes such as From the Grassroots and Offshore Britons. Following decades of broadcasting service, Gallagher stepped down from the BBC in 2014. He died in May 2025 aged 87 at Worcester Hospital. Former colleagues and admirers paid tribute, with one remembering: "I remember having a conversation with Jock in the late 1980s when I was trying to become a researcher, and fancied working on Radio 4 series." Donny MacLeod Donny was a beloved figure on television, known for his warmth, professionalism, and innovative approach, becoming a staple in homes as the leading presenter of his show and shaping daytime TV for countless viewers. He was one of the original faces of Pebble Mill at One, hosting the show from its beginnings in 1972 until his sudden death in 1984. His career was studded with standout moments, including major BBC specials like MacLeod's Soviet Union and MacLeod's America, and memorable interviews with prominent figures such as Edward Heath, Les Dawson, Terry Wogan, Dame Edna Everage, and Morecambe and Wise. Touching tributes have continued to honour Donny's legacy, with one colleague fondly remembering: "He was kind and ever prepared to lend this novice a helping hand... For 11 years Donny was Pebble Mill at One." Passing away at the young age of 52 from a heart attack, Donny is still deeply missed as a trailblazer in British daytime broadcasting. David Attwood Starting his career as an assistant floor manager, David Attwood climbed the ladder, contributing to series like Out of Town Boys (1978), Keep Smiling (1979), and the BAFTA-winning Boys from the Black Stuff (1982). After completing the BBC Directors course in 1984, he quickly made a name for himself as a director. Attwood's portfolio includes directing All Together Now, Airbase, and the intense thriller Killing Time. He later pursued a freelance career, directing critically acclaimed projects such as Wild West, Fidel, and Stuart: A Life Backwards, which starred Tom Hardy. David sadly died on 21 March 2024 after battling illness. Remembered by peers as a talented and considerate director, David left an indelible mark on British television drama over three decades. Marian Foster A multifaceted broadcaster, Marian Foster was celebrated for her engaging on-screen personality and a deep-rooted passion for horticulture, which became her signature. She broke new ground as one of the original presenters on Top Gear and went on to host gardening segments for BBC Look North after her time at Pebble Mill. Foster boasts an extensive career in radio, having presented shows on BBC Radio 2, Woman's Hour on Radio 4, and currently hosts Garden Mania every Sunday on BBC Radio Newcastle and Radio Tees. A familiar face at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, she has imparted her horticultural wisdom to audiences for more than three decades. Her diverse work includes documenting the impact of Live Aid in Ethiopia and even sharing the stage with The Who for a rendition of Tommy. In recent times, she has continued her role as a judge for Northumbria in Bloom, been featured by Radio Times, and remains an endearing presence in the North East. Alan Titchmarsh Alan Titchmarsh rose to fame as the beloved presenter of Ground Force and later captivated viewers on ITV's Love Your Garden, affirming his status as one of the nation's favourite gardeners. His natural charm extended beyond the garden, leading him to host various programmes including The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Popstar to Operastar, and Secrets of the National Trust. In 2024, he made waves when North Korean TV censored his jeans, prompting Titchmarsh to quip that it gave him "a bit of street cred". The 76 year old father of two is a prolific author, having penned over 70 books, including best-selling novels, gardening guides, and memoirs. He currently presents a Saturday afternoon programme on Classic FM and continues to write regularly for the press. Now in his mid-70s, he divides his time between his farmhouse in Hampshire and his residence on the Isle of Wight. Titchmarsh was awarded an MBE in the 2000 New Year Honours for his contributions to horticulture and broadcasting, and was later promoted to CBE in the 2025 New Year Honours for his services to horticulture and charity.


The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Diogo Jota: A superstar family man, his death is difficult to fathom
In idly scrolling the sleepless news cycle of social media, you are occasionally confronted by a headline that stops you in your tracks, a collection of words that seem so unthinkable that they surely cannot be correct. Liverpool's Diogo Jota, killed in a car crash, only 28. Then you see the tentative caveat of 'reports claim', and you wonder for a minute if there's been some sort of morbid mistake. In those moments you even vainly hope for it to be the work of the lowest of social media's hoaxers, but the headlines continue to flood through, and you realise there's been an incomprehensible tragedy, that a family's world has been turned upside down. The vast majority of us knew Diogo Jota only as the Liverpool and Portugal footballer, because that's all we ever saw him be. But then come the details of his life beyond what was captured by the Sky Sports cameras. I don't really buy into the 'you forget that they're human' narrative that can follow high-profile footballers. Most of us are well aware that they're not machines, we just don't see much of who they are away from the pitch. I'd argue that it's not so much people see them as robots, but as superheroes. They possess gifts that allow them to live lives that are otherworldly to you and I, and it makes them seem invincible. Until days like Thursday remind you that we are all just mere mortals. When you first lay eyes on those photos of Jota, his wife Rute Cardoso, and their children celebrating their marriage — just 12 days ago — it becomes impossible to see him as anything but a husband and father. It is profoundly sad that images captured amid the purest joy now serve to emphasise - if it were even needed - the tragedy of his death. Jota had shared a further snippet of the wedding video on his Instagram account captioned 'A day we will never forget', just hours before his life ended. What his family must now be attempting to come to terms with is difficult to fathom. The details of the accident are harrowing, the culmination of several twists of fate. In normal circumstances, Jota and Andre would not have been on that road in the first place. Jota, due back for pre-season but having recently undergone a surgery, was advised not to fly to the UK. Instead he and Andre planned a long drive across Spain - where they'd spent the final days of a post-season holiday - to board a ferry to England. Early reports suggest the Lamborghini they were in suffered a sudden tyre blowout, sending the car off the road before it burst into flames. Those of you unfortunate enough to have been subjected to images of the wreckage, depressingly shared by some national news outlets, will have seen the brutality of it. Generally, though, there has been much care taken to emphasise the human tragedy of this incident, because it's not really a football story at all. In the end, though, it's for football that Jota will be fondly remembered by many. Diogo José Teixeira da Silva was born in Porto on December 4, 1996. He played for his local team, Gondomar, until he was 17, before starting his professional career at Pacos de Ferreira. A pacey, nimble, intelligent forward, he was initially overlooked by other clubs due to his size. The perception has long carried that those who make it in spite of their diminutive stature have something extra special about them, and Jota's rise from the streets of Porto to starring for Liverpool confirms it still has merit. Before Anfield, he moved from Pacos to Atletico Madrid, but never played for the La Liga giants' first team. A successful loan spell back in his homeland with Porto then drew attention from England. He signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially on another loan in 2016, and the deal was made permanent a year later as Jota helped them win promotion back to the Premier League. Scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances for Wolves put him on Liverpool's radar, and in 2020 they paid £41m for him. Amongst a galaxy of high profile stars on Merseyside, his versatility was an asset, allowing him to feature anywhere across the forward line. Playing under Jurgen Klopp and latterly Arne Slot, Jota won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and two League Cups with the Reds. His last ever goal was a dramatic winner in April's Merseyside derby against Everton, one that kept Liverpool on track to become Premier League champions. Liverpool are a club sadly not unaccustomed to tragedy, and this could be their most difficult moment since the Hillsborough disaster of 1989 that claimed 97 lives. Jota's death comes mere weeks after a car was driven into a crowd at the club's Premier League title parade. More than 100 people were injured and a man was later charged with several offences. This was supposed to be the summer when players, staff, and supporters could fully and freely absorb a Premier League title success not inhibited by the Covid-19 restrictions that hung over their 2019/20 win. The celebratory mood has given way to a period of grief and mourning that will last for a long time to come. "What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?" asked Slot, the Liverpool manager, in a statement released on Thursday. "I wish I had the words, but I know I do not." And that, really, is the crux of it. There is no turn of phrase that can truly describe such events, the gravity of its awfulness and the implications for a young family that has been so cruelly torn apart. In time, perhaps it's best to simply let Jota's legacy, as a committed family man and exceptional footballer, speak for itself.


Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to write with UV pen on flowers or risk '£300 gamble'
The average gardener admits to paying as much as £300 for a single plant, and more than two-thirds of gardeners have been victims of plant theft, according to new research from Allianz UK. Gardeners across the UK are reeling as over two-thirds have faced plant poaching, and concerns are mounting with almost half observing an uptick in green-fingered thefts in their area, a study by Allianz UK has uncovered. Surprisingly, the average horticulture enthusiast is forking out up to £300 for individual plants. Moreover, a staggering number – more than 50% – lack home insurance that safeguards against pilfering of their prized garden blooms. Top botanist James Wong weighs in on the dilemma, pinpointing the top ten garden flora presently targeted by light-fingered lurkers this summer. Mr Wong warned: "Over the past few years the horticultural community says it has seen an increase in the number of plants that are being pinched from gardens. "Owners of these common plants, flowers, shrubs and trees should take steps to protect their beloved plants this summer." Notably, James Wong isn't just any plant expert; he's graced television screens on programs such as Grow Your Own Drugs, The Secrets of Your Food, and dazzled viewers with his contributions to the BBC's coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, reports Devon Live. His screen presence extends to Countryfile, Gardeners' World, and Gardeners' Question Time, among others, with his spirited presentations running the gamut from extreme tree hunting to the whimsical world of guerrilla gardening and traditional mistletoe auctions. The top ten garden plants most at risk from thieves this summer Japanese Maple Trees: At full maturity these can be worth thousands of pounds, so housing one in an easy-to-pinch plant pot could put yours at risk. Peonies: Notoriously slow-growing and tricky to propagate, some rare forms can sell for over £200. Lemon Trees: These trees, easily recognisable by their colourful fruit, retail for as much as £950, making them targets for opportunistic thieves. Bonsai: Probably the most valuable outdoor plant in terms of resale value per kilo of weight. A 50-year-old bonsai could be worth £5,000. Newly-Planted Trees: Trees like Magnolias often fall foul of burglaries when they're young, as they can be easily stolen from gardens before their roots take hold. Tasmanian Tree Ferns: Opportunistic thieves can sneakily clip a cutting and make a killing, as these can be worth as much as £100 for every foot they grow. Windmill Palms: These are often housed in easy to take containers and can retail for more than £1,000, making them a prime target for thieves. Olive Trees: These high value trees can live for hundreds of years, but often start life in small plant pots outside people's houses. Designer Hydrangeas: The new generation of designer hydrangea varieties can retail for as much as £100. Variegated Monstera: Individual cuttings of this sold for thousands online during lockdown, and a metre-high specimen could still be worth more than £500. Matt Cox, Allianz UK chief claims officer, said: "Millions of people enjoy gardening in the UK and a beautiful garden can take years of hard work and thousands of pounds to create. They are a labour of love for people and become a place of sanctuary for those who want somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. "Plants theft can be heartbreaking for gardeners, particularly when the plants stolen have taken years to cultivate. The best defence against plant theft is vigilance and homeowners can use a series of security measures to deter thieves." How to protect your garden from plant thieves Out of sight, out of trouble Store your most valuable plants and garden ornaments in the back garden, away from prying eyes. Thieves are often opportunistic and go for quick wins - so don't make it easy for them. More exotic plants and trees can be a magnet for thieves so keeping these out of public view is smart security. Simple steps like fencing, shrubs, or trellis screening can help reduce visibility from the street and keep your garden safe. Natural defences that fight back Plant thorny hedges like hawthorn or pyracantha around vulnerable gates, low fences and other access points. These don't just look good - they work hard too, acting as a natural burglar deterrent. Look to the earth for support, using soil-based potting mix rather than compost in containers - this makes your pots twice as heavy and harder to steal. Make some noise Lay down gravel paths or bark chips that crunch underfoot around key areas of your garden. These materials may seem like a simple gardening choice but in rural and suburban settings, this simple, and cost-effective, step can alert you, or your dog, when someone is approaching, making it harder for thieves to sneak around quietly. Plan your planting Newly planted plants and trees can be a magnet for thieves - especially prized or ornamental varieties. While still settling into the soil, they can be lifted in seconds, often vanishing before you've even had a chance to mulch them. To stay one step ahead, consider planting in winter when they are dormant. They're less likely to catch a thief's eye - no flashy foliage, no obvious new growth - just a quiet start for what will become a garden standout come spring. Sow and grow A clever security tip is to sow your lawn from seed. Unlike rolls of turf, no one's going to be able to walk off with it - it's simply not stealable once it's in the ground. Best of all, it can cost a fraction of the cost of turf - and it's as simple as scatter, rake, and wait. Tag it to track it A lesser known trick is to use a UV pen or plant-safe forensic liquid to mark valuables with your postcode. This creates a trackable link to you and your plants should you ever need to produce proof of ownership. Always photograph rare plants or tools and keep a log, so you can act fast if something goes missing – this will be a great asset for the police if they need to get involved. Watchful neighbours work wonders You can't watch your gardens 24 hours a day so enlist the help of your neighbours. Set up a Garden Watch to keep your neighbourhood safe. Community eyes are one of the strongest deterrents to garden theft. Also, if something rare is stolen, let your local garden centre or horticultural society know. These tight-knit groups often spot when unusual plants are being sold on.