The forecast for the significant storm tonight and tomorrow shows some changes to yesterday’s forecast with a track further south and timings slightly faster again.  This shows that there are still some uncertainties in the forecast which will continue to be watched carefully.  The strongest winds will be to the south and west of the low pressure area as it moves across southern England, therefore, London and SE England are still in the area of strongest winds.  Wind speeds are still expected to reach gale or severe gale force with gust speeds widely 60-70 mph but some locations, especially on exposed coasts and headlands, could see 80 mph or more.  Winds will initially be from the south or southwest before turning west to north-westerly as the low moves to the east during Monday morning.  The wind will be strong enough to cause severe damage to trees, structural damage and a risk from flying debris. Mobile homes and caravans on exposed coasts and headlands are significantly at risk. Current forecasts suggest that the strongest winds will be during Monday morning with latest timings suggesting the greatest risk is between midnight and 9 am, however, this will need watching.   The system will also lead to areas of locally heavy rain and a low risk of surface water flooding.  The rain is expected to arrive early Sunday evening and clear on Monday morning giving us totals of around 20-30 mm isolated 40 mm in places.  Flooding may be exacerbated by falling leaves and debris blocking drains and grills.  The tides are low on Monday so the risk of coastal flooding is low, however, we are expecting some big waves which may lead to damage to the shingle beaches along the south coast with some spray / overtopping and minor coastal flooding possible. The latest FFC Flood Guidance Statement is showing yellow for surface water and coastal flooding for Monday.    The Met Office will update the warnings later by issuing an Amber WIND Warning (Medium Likelihood of High Impacts) which will cover all of London & SE England . This warning will cover the potential impacts from this low pressure system including both the wind and rain.   

Please find below some information from the Highways Agency about the planned maintenance at College Farm Bridge, Beedon

Here is the latest update for the Bucklebury & Downlands neighbourhood from PC Matthew Allen.

The latest crime statistics can be found by visiting www.police.uk (opens new window).  This website provides you with helpful information about crime and policing in your area. Enter your postcode, town, village or street into the search box, and get instant access to street-level crime maps and data, as well as details of the neighbourhood police team and ‘Have Your Say’ events. The level of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area remains below average compared with the rest of England and Wales.  The crime rate in your neighbourhood for the period April to August 2013 inclusive as opposed to the same period in 2012 has reduced by 11%, with vehicle crime down by 22%.

The neighbourhood has three priorities; Rural Crime, Speeding, and Anti Social Behaviour & Criminal Damage in Upper Bucklebury.  If you do have any concerns about crime or disorder in the Bucklebury & Downlands neighbourhood please email me at the address below or call me on the non emergency number for Thames Valley Police, 101.

On 3rd August 2013 a 26 year old male from Thatcham received a fixed penalty ticket for possession of cannabis in Bucklebury.  A 23 year old male from Thatcham received a formal warning for possession of cannabis at the same time.  On 15th July a 39 year old male from Hampstead Norreys received a caution for the cultivation of cannabis.

At this time of year hare coursing again becomes an issue.  If you see vehicles driving off road any time of day, or lights in fields at night then please call us.  Likewise if you see males walking on fields in a line with dogs then also call us.    

Please make sure you report all crimes and any instances of anti social behaviour to Thames Valley Police so we can deal accordingly.  Too often we are receiving calls from your parish councilors of incidents that should be reported to the police and too much time has passed by to be able to deal effectively.

Contact us

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 101 but if your call is an emergency then dial 999.   You can also contact us via email: [email protected] This e-mail address should not be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters.   If you have information about crime or Anti Social Behaviour in your area but you do not want to speak to the police, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.   To view information on your neighbourhood team you can visit the force website at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk  

For updates and news in your area follow us on Twitter @TVP_WestBerks.

Have you signed up to Thames Valley Alerts?

Thames Valley Alerts is the new system for receiving crime and policing updates for your area.   The state-of-the-art system allows anyone who signs up to choose what updates they receive and how they would like to receive it.    A new option includes receiving information via text and more traditional landline and email messages will still be available.   You can also filter the updates you receive by specifying the priority level of the messages you receive.

To sign up to receive alerts visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

Come and join the CRA for our Autumn Litter Pick on Saturday 19th October
We're hoping to give Curridge an Autumnal 'Spring Clean' to help the village look it's best. Litter picking kits, for adults and children, can be provided, but please bring your own gloves and high vis jackets if you have any. Tea, coffee and other refreshments will be provided.

If you'd like to come and help, join us at the WI Hall from 9.30am to noon on Saturday 19th October.

We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please contact us