Bracknell people need Coopers Hill

I AM writing this letter as someone who grew up in Bracknell during the 1960s at the time of it being a developing new town.

Having come back to Bracknell, I find it deeply upsetting that so much has changed and rendered the town unrecognisable to those who knew it years ago. Landmarks have gone, the whole town centre has been flattened then recreated such that the town now looks like anywhere else devoid of character.

So it comes as a great shock to me to hear about the proposed demolition of Coopers Hill community centre which I recall very well from decades ago when it had a thriving youth club. It has not lost its popularity and remains well used by a whole variety of groups. It is also in an ideal location with easy access for those living in the centre. To lose what I understand to be the only remaining community facility in the town beggars belief.

Bracknell has expanded beyond recognition and lacks the facilities which are necessary for a growing community. Coopers Hill is well used by many including for meetings, for exercise classes, for elderly people to socialise, for teaching pupils who need extra support out of school and for religious groups.

We are all aware of the way our towns are developing and how we are in danger of losing facilities which are important for community cohesion. The loss of pubs, for example, is just one retrograde step in losing places which can be used by people. The rise in mental health problems is also a worrying development as there are fewer places for people to go to in order to be part of the social group.

Coopers Hill should remain and be developed further in line with community wishes. Bracknell lacks a museum which would engage everyone in marking the importance of the town’s history. It could be developed further with additional facilities to meet the needs and desires of a developing community; for example, more physical and sports facilities, more provision for young people (space to practise music and singing), more potential for amateur groups such as theatrical production, photography, choirs.

Much has been said about the cost of bringing it up to date as being excessive. Yet here is a building, built by a skilled workforce at a time when buildings were made to last. Very likely it will last longer than many of the developments put up recently for profit rather than community. With more imaginative thinking, Coopers Hill could continue for those who use it now and one which could move with the times and thrive on renewed enthusiasm. It would soon pay for itself with the right frame of mind, the right degree of imagination and the desire to recognise the importance of community need and spirit.

Bracknell people need Coopers Hill!

Margery Thorogood

21 Albert Street, Windsor, SL4 5BT

Formerly of 91 Shepherds Lane, Bracknell

Thanks for all the Plan support

ON behalf of our respective parish councils we would like to thank residents for giving such overwhelming support to the Neighbourhood Plan at the referendum on 6 February.

Through the excellent work of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, led by Laurence Heath, the views of residents formed the basis of a ‘Plan by the Community for the community’. The result was that ninety-four percent of those voting in the referendum supported the plan which now forms part of planning policy for the area.

The Arborfield and Barkham Joint Neighbourhood plan will be adopted formally at a special meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive on 26 March. It will mark the end of a long road, but only the beginning of work to ensure that the two parishes retain their identity while welcoming sustainable change.

Mark Picken, chairman of Arborfield and Newland Parish Council

Pam Stubbs, chairman, Barkham Parish Council

Cat lovers can rise to the occasion

ARE you a cat lover who enjoys baking? If so then Cats Protection would like your help to raise money for cats in need by hosting a Pawsome Afternoon Tea event in April.

Organising an event is easy and you can hold the event in your home, workplace or school. This year, Masterchef winner Tim Anderson and Bake Off star Kim-Joy are supporting the event by providing their own recipes to help support the cause.

Now in its fourth year, the event provides a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones enjoying some bakes, as well as raising funds to help the many unwanted cats in our care.

To register for a free Pawsome Afternoon Tea pack and to view Tim and Kim-Joy’s recipes, please visit www.pawsometea.org

Zoe Thompson

Fundraising Mass Participation Officer

Cats Protection

We must stop all of this gun crime

WE must stop gun crime in the Thames Valley and the only way is to push all MPs to get together and do something: press the Home Office to make stricter laws. I am sure Ms Patel might do something if she wants crime off the streets.

I have written more then 50 times to the Home Office to crack down on all guns and they come out with the same excuses that they are all right. These people make up lies and they are not the ones being shot down with their families suffering hell.

It is now for the new MP for Bracknell should make his mark and keep on at the Home Office. Come on Mr James Sunderland it is your time now to prove your self.

Victor Rones

Advocate Justice & Rights

Bracknell.

Thankyou for all your support

ON behalf of the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, I would like to thank the management, staff and customers at Tesco in Warfield for their support and generosity during our charity collection held on Friday 31st January 2020.

We raised a fantastic £794.65 with a top box of £179.12 which will be put towards the provision of therapies, services and information for local people with MS.

I would also like to extend a huge thank you to all of our volunteer collectors who turned out to help us raise money for the Centre.

Tracy Watkins

Berkshire MS Therapy Centre

Bradbury House

Brock Gardens

Reading