Mystery over plan for 170 flats in Reading as John Lewis pulls out of housing market

• Mystery surrounds the approval of plan for 170 flats that replace the John Lewis customer collections facility near The Oracle Shopping Centre.

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 · yesterday Impact of Dolly Parton's UK children's book scheme praised • former Reading MP says he believes the town was the second place in the UK to receive the books.

Slough Observer — News · yesterday Work under way to refurbish 'much-loved' skate park • Work has begun on refurbishing Maidenhead’s skate park in Kidwells Park for skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter users and roller skaters.

Bracknell News — News · yesterday Tributes flood in for 'Queen of country music' Dolly Parton who has died aged 80 • Dolly Parton has passed away aged 80 and has been described as the "Queen of country music" by fans.

BBC Berkshire RSS feed · yesterday Club wants M4 weekend closure for power work moved • The work, affecting junctions 10 and 11, will take place over the weekend of 18 September.

Reading Chronicle · yesterday CCTV appeal after diners leave Harvester restaurant without paying • Police have released CCTV images of several people they want to speak to following two separate incidents of making off without payment at restaurant in Reading.

Slough Observer — News · yesterday WATCH: Arsonist jailed after setting cars on fire and leading police on 100mph chase • An arsonist who set fire to two cars outside family home before leading police on dangerous 100mph pursuit through Berkshire has been jailed.

Wokingham.Today — News · 2 days ago Pilates plans for Places Leisure • Wokingham Leisure Centre is set to bring one of the UK's fastest-growing fitness trends to the local community.

Wokingham.Today — News · yesterday Spencers Wood nursery celebrates positive Ofsted comments • Inspection praises quality of care and education at Wise Owls

Maidenhead Advertiser — News · Local news · yesterday Parish council wants to protect Holyport Green from unauthorised travellers’ sites • Bray Parish Council is considering whether any measures should be put in place to protect Holyport Green from unauthorised traveller encampments. • The parish council-owned land has often been used by travellers in the summer months, including incidents this year and last year.

Bracknell News — News · Local news · yesterday Ex-Premier League footballer from Ascot charged after motorway crash • Former England forward and current Ascot resident Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide after crash involving Lamborghini on the motorway, police have said.

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · Local news · yesterday All aboard! GWR launches search for the perfect name for its new dragon • GWR's new plushie toy dragon needs to know who he is

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · Local news · yesterday 5 Wokingham Festival acts you won’t want to miss this Bank Holiday weekend • Wokingham Festival this Bank Holiday Weekend brings host of bands to entertain, more than 40 across range of styles

Wokingham Today RSS feed · News and media · yesterday Enjoy hope-filled film night in Wokingham • screening at the Whitty Theatre will raise money for charity

What's on: next 14 days

A quick-view of 15 priority public listings from 15 tracked events over the next 14 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

Every Thursday 10am - 12pm · Reading LibrariesBattle Library Coffee Morning

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

Occasional Thursdays from 17:00 · Double-Barrelled BreweryBring Your Own Vinyl

Every Thursday 12pm - 4pm · Reading MuseumMuseum Surgery

Thursdays at 20:00Open Mic at the Wee Waif with Sophie Olah

5 Sep at 12:00Reading Pride 2026

Every Tuesday and Thursday 10.30 - 11am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Palmer Park Library

Every Thursday 9.45 - 10.15am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Southcote Library

Every Tuesday 10.15 - 10.45am and 11.15 - 11.45am and Thursday 10.15 - 10.45am and 11.15 - 11.45am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at the NEW Reading Central Library

Every Monday 9.45 - 10.15am and 10.45 - 11.15 am. Every Thursday 2 - 2.30pm · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Tilehurst Library

Every Thursday 11 - 11.30am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Whitley Library

27 Aug at 13:00 · Family Research CentreThe Commonwealth War Graves Commission

27 Aug at 04:01FROM THE LEADER: Reading Festival comes to town

27 Aug at 05:00Message to residents and revellers as Reading Festival arrives this week

27 Aug at 05:00Pub at the heart of the community in Reading back open under new management

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.