Latest news with #ReadingChronicle
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rumours of more filming in Woodley circulate
Rumours of future filming across the Woodley area have been circulating as an increasing film presence has been seen across Berkshire this month. TV crews were spotted in multiple locations for the filming of the second season of the American TV drama 'The Agency'. The TV show, produced by local celeb George Clooney, stars multiple award-winning actors including Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere. The Reading Chronicle visited the film set, where several Woodley residents offered up their homes for scenes in the new season of the TV show. According to a crew member, the location scouts have chosen the Reading/Woodley area due to its proximity to Shinfield Studios. Although unable to confirm which location, it was stated that further filming will take place in the area in the near future. Berkshire has become a popular destination for the filming of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows over the past 20 years. The locations provide more discretion than if a scene was filmed in the middle of a London neighbourhood. At the beginning of May, TV crews were also spotted in The Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading where they choose the space to film an airport scene. The town centre shopping centre made a perfect alternative to a busy departure lounge where security would be the major issue.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American fast food chain gets permission to stay open until 4am
An American fast food burger chain that relaunched its brand in Reading has been given permission to stay open four hours later on weekends. The Wendy's American fast food chain relaunched in Station Road in June 2021 to much fanfare. The chain now has 44 locations in England. Wendy's is currently open until 11pm weekdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the company applying to stay open midnight on weekdays and 4am from Thursday to Saturday. The extended hours were discussed at a Reading Borough Council licensing applications sub-committee meeting. Flood of support for Reading club in trouble with police over fight Luke Atkins, a district manager for Wendy's, argued the company is committed to upholding the four licensing objectives: to prevent crime and disorder, to uphold public safety, prevent nuisance and protect children from harm. He said: "Our top priority is the welfare of our customers, staff and the wider community. We're eager to work with the authorities to support the licensing objectives. "Our team perform patrols outside our restaurant on an hourly basis, to make sure litter attributed to Wendy's is cleared. "We encourage customers to be considerate to neighbours. Our windows are always closed, and we only play background music." David Acreman from the council's environmental protection team objected to the application, raising concerns that increased activity, deliveries and noise from the extraction fan would cause disturbance for neighbours. Fears later hours for American burger chain could disturb neighbours Mr Atkins explained that the extraction fan, in place since 2021, is within the fabric of the building and has a maximum noise output of 60 decibels. Councillor Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) asked how Wendy's fits into the nighttime economy, acknowledging no noise complaints had been submitted. Mr Atkins said: "There are people who live above us, but there have been no complaints from them. "We understand we're a last stop before people go home; they congregate here." Cllr Deborah Edwards (Labour, Southcote) asked whether there is a demand for Wendy's food at these later hours. Mr Atkins replied: "We believe there is a demand, people come to the town centre to enjoy themselves in the evening, and there's deliveries." Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇#DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 He went on to explain that the CCTV captures the heads and shoulders of people both internally and externally. The footage is then kept for 31 days and is available to any authority that requests it. Mr Atkins added: "Our team have to complete a late-night security model prior to onboarding with us." In a written representation, Mr Acreman argued that later hours would cause a disturbance to neighbours and the occupants of future housing developments. However, cllr Rowland stated that Wendy's predates future developments, therefore the onus would be on the developer to ensure noise mitigation measures are installed in any flats. Plans for flat behind historic Reading pub REJECTED Cllr Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) quipped: "This is a town centre, you have to allow people to have fun, or else you're living in the Cotswolds!" Yet he did acknowledge neighbours are entitled to a good night's sleep. Ultimately, the committee decided to grant the hours extension at the meeting today (Thursday, May 15). The grant is subject to conditions, which include ensuring there is planning permission for the extended hours and that Wendy's is linked to the TownSafe Radio.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community The new mayor of Woodley has been selected to represent neighbours and preside over the town council. Each year, a new mayor is selected to act as a figurehead for the community, preside over council meetings and attend events. Councillor David Bragg (Conservative, Coronation Central) has been selected as the town mayor for the 2025/26 year at a full council meeting. He said: "Thank you all so much for your confidence in appointing me Mayor of Woodley Town Council for the current year. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This is an honour I never, ever, expected or anticipated when I was first elected to this council back in 2018. Six-figure upgrade due for local theatre despite its troubled recent history "This year is particularly important to me as we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a day of particular importance to both my parents, who are sadly no longer with us." Cllr Bragg served as deputy mayor under town mayor for 2024/25 cllr Juliet Anderson (Conservative, Coronation Central). He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my period as deputy mayor, and now look forward to the challenges and experiences of the year ahead, in which time I promise to represent you, the town council, the residents and all of its communities with the respect and energy you all deserve." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cllr Bragg has chosen Promise Inclusion, which supports children and adults with learning disabilities, as his mayoral charity. He added: "Finally, thank you to cllr Juliet Anderson for her dedication and hard work over the year, you'll be a very hard act to follow." Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇 #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 He was elected mayor with the votes of the 16 other councillors present at the full council meeting yesterday (Tuesday, May 6). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cllr Darren Smith (Conservative, Coronation East) has been selected as deputy mayor. Cllr Bragg was nominated by cllr Keith Baker (Conservative, Coronation East), with the nomination being seconded by Alison Swaddle (Conservative, Loddon Airfield).
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community The new mayor of Woodley has been selected to represent neighbours and preside over the town council. Each year, a new mayor is selected to act as a figurehead for the community, preside over council meetings and attend events. Councillor David Bragg (Conservative, Coronation Central) has been selected as the town mayor for the 2025/26 year at a full council meeting. He said: "Thank you all so much for your confidence in appointing me Mayor of Woodley Town Council for the current year. "This is an honour I never, ever, expected or anticipated when I was first elected to this council back in 2018. ADVERTISEMENT Six-figure upgrade due for local theatre despite its troubled recent history "This year is particularly important to me as we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a day of particular importance to both my parents, who are sadly no longer with us." Cllr Bragg served as deputy mayor under town mayor for 2024/25 cllr Juliet Anderson (Conservative, Coronation Central). He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my period as deputy mayor, and now look forward to the challenges and experiences of the year ahead, in which time I promise to represent you, the town council, the residents and all of its communities with the respect and energy you all deserve." Cllr Bragg has chosen Promise Inclusion, which supports children and adults with learning disabilities, as his mayoral charity. ADVERTISEMENT He added: "Finally, thank you to cllr Juliet Anderson for her dedication and hard work over the year, you'll be a very hard act to follow." Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇 #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 He was elected mayor with the votes of the 16 other councillors present at the full council meeting yesterday (Tuesday, May 6). Cllr Darren Smith (Conservative, Coronation East) has been selected as deputy mayor. Cllr Bragg was nominated by cllr Keith Baker (Conservative, Coronation East), with the nomination being seconded by Alison Swaddle (Conservative, Loddon Airfield).
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gastropub in Caversham wins bid to improve brunch experience
The operators of a pub near the river in Caversham have won permission to serve alcohol earlier to improve their offer for brunch. The Griffin pub is situated in Church Road, Caversham, just a short walk away from the River Thames. Last month, the Chef & Brewer company that runs the pub applied to sell alcohol from 8.30am each day. The application has since been granted, with a representative from the company saying it will allow pub staff to enhance guest experience for brunch. Persian restaurant in Caversham in trouble over riverside seating area The Griffin has an extensive menu for both breakfast and lunch. Now guests will be able to enjoy alcohol with their breakfast and brunch if they wish. A spokesperson for the Griffin explained: 'We requested a variation of hours to enable us to trade earlier, with no change to closing times which will remain as they are currently. 'The earlier trading hours will enable us to enhance our guest experience for those who would like to join us for brunch.' Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇#DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 The earlier operating hours were approved by Reading Borough Council's licensing department. A statutory consultation into the application received one objection by a neighbour concerned about the possibility of the Griffin staying open later at night. However, the objection was dismissed as not relevant, as the application was only to allow the pub to open earlier in the morning. The Griffin now has permission to sell alcohol from 8.30am to 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Chef & Brewer brand is owned by Greene King.
