Lidl submits new plans to replace town's vacant Odeon site

• Lidl has submitted plans to replace Bracknell’s vacant leisure centre with new food store.

Today in Thames Valley

Conditions in your area this morning.

The local news that matters this morning

Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

BBC Berkshire RSS feed · 3 days ago Flammable cladding to be removed from blocks • The council approved the plans but said the work should not affect the blocks' external appearance.

Bracknell News — News · 2 days ago Controversial plans to add flats above Ascot shop resurface • controversial plan to add flats on top of convenience store in Ascot has resurfaced.

Slough Observer — News · yesterday Slough woman among Britons missing after Nepal floods • Slough woman has been named as one of the 33 British nationals believed to be unaccounted for after flash floods in Nepal.

Reading Chronicle · yesterday Thousands sign petition against proposed data centre at Thames Valley Park • Thousands of people have signed an online petition against proposed data centre at business park on the outskirts of Reading.

Reading Chronicle · Local news · yesterday Major police presence at Mr T's in Reading as YouTuber makes appearance • dozen police officers are on scene at restaurant in Reading after YouTuber and live streamer was rumoured to make surprise entrance at the venue.

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · Local news · yesterday Reading Festival is about to take over – but these local businesses are ready • Businesses close to the Reading Festival site are gearing up for busy weekend as thousands of revellers flock to the town.

Wokingham.Today — News · Local news · yesterday Wokingham farm could become new dog-walking haven under plans • The proposed use would enable dog owners and carers of dogs to spend anxiety free time with their dogs in secure open space.

Wokingham Today RSS feed · News and media · yesterday It’s only August, but Wokingham charity is already thinking about Christmas • Wokingham United Charities is already planning how to lift spirits in December

Wokingham.Today — News · Local news · yesterday £40m SEND revolution to bring 600 new places to Wokingham • Between 2026 and 2029, Wokingham borough councill will invest more than £40 million to create more than 600 new SEND spaces.

Slough Observer — News · Local news · yesterday Musical comedy duo Flo and Joan return to Maidenhead • Sisters Nicola and Rosie Dempsey will bring their new show 'Work in Progress' to the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

BBC Berkshire RSS feed · News and media · yesterday Emergency drought grants to open for farmers • The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution will roll out the support from 7 September.

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · Local news · 2 days ago Reading man jailed for over five years after thousands of pounds of heroin and cocaine found • Reading man has been jailed for five-and-a-half years for string of drugs offences, including intending to supply heroin and cocaine.

What's on: next 14 days

A quick-view of 8 priority public listings from 8 tracked events over the next 14 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

Every Saturday Night - FREE ENTRY · Purple TurtleAFTER DARK SATURDAY NIGHT

Every Tuesday and Thursday 2.30pm-3.30pm, and Saturday 2pm-3pm · Reading MuseumBayeux Tapestry Tours

29 Aug–30 Aug · Reading Biscuit FactoryNo Time For Goodbye + Director Q&A

29 Aug at 19:30 · Turks HeadPaddington

5 Sep at 12:00Reading Pride 2026

Every Saturday in August 16:30- 21:00 · Dinton Pastures Country ParkSaturday Sessions

31 Aug at 10:00 · Swallowfield Horticultural SocietySwallowfield Show 2026

29 Aug at 18:00 · Scarlet VixensThe Scarlet Vixens Present: WILD WEST NIGHT

Resident pulse

One weekly reader question. Choose one option; responses guide what we follow up next.

Local picks on Amazon

Three handpicked Thames Valley searches for today, rotated daily.

Affiliate disclosure: these open Amazon UK searches with tag productlin052-21. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

A small local fact

Reading and Maidenhead are both Elizabeth line endpoints on the western branch, so London transport disruption can be a genuinely local Thames Valley story.