The View from Shute End

District Councillor Annette Drake reports...

Cabinet governance. The new style of Cabinet governance adopted by Wokingham District Council means that the Cabinet makes all decisions. Their monthly meetings are open to the public and include public questions, which must be submitted five working days in advance. The Cabinet programme for the next four months is published on the Internet.

Decisions made by the Cabinet should be consistent and are expected to be well-reasoned and effective. This should also speed up the decision-making process.

Members who are not in the Cabinet can "call in" Cabinet decisions for scrutiny. This applies to key decisions only, and must be done within five working days after the minutes of the Cabinet meeting have been published. Key decisions are those relevant to the policy and financial framework. There is a large amount of information to absorb, but everyone needs to know their rights. Call me on 0118 934 xxxx if you would like more information.

On the roads again

Pink tarmac. Yes, this is due to be laid in Lodge Road on the very sharp bend close to the junction with A321 to encourage motorists to slow down.

Davis Street. Proposals for speed limit signs and residents' parking have been agreed, but not implemented yet.

Forest Road. Wokingham and Bracknell Forest authorities are in agreement on the need for a consistent speed limit between Hurst and Binfield. This means proposals to reduce the speed limit to 40 mph up to Warren House roundabout have been posted.

Have your say. Residents are encouraged to attend and speak at the Highways Board meetings. You can view the papers on the website or ring the council. I would especially like to hear from people when the Safe Routes to Schools proposals have been published.

Great crested newts. The presence of these amphibians and water voles delayed the completion of the footpath between Sawpit Road and Nursery Close. The Environment Agency is now happy that their habitat is undisturbed.