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Newbury is a high-profile constituency covering almost half of Berkshire, and including the towns of Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford. The area is home to the Lambourn Valley racehorse industry, the nuclear research industry at AWE Aldermaston, and the mobile phone industry with Vodafone’s HQ in Newbury.
The area’s history has often been wrapped in national events. Newbury itself was the site of two Civil War battles. |
Greenham Common Airbase was the launch-pad for D-Day in World War Two, and the anti-nuclear movement has marched on both Greenham and Aldermaston. The Newbury bypass saw 1,000 anti-road protesters arrested over two years, making Newbury synonymous as the home of protest.
The population has expanded by 20% in as many years, and the local economy is centred on small businesses, especially in technology and property. As a result, unemployment is low, and house prices are among the most expensive outside central London. Crime is a third of the national level, and the local schools provide a wide range of quality education.
One challenge has been to update the infrastructure to cope with a more sophisticated workforce and lifestyles. The area’s various arts festivals in the three towns and beyond are very well supported, while outdoor pursuits are increasingly popular, as more take in the stunning local countryside.
Berkshire County Council was abolished in favour of a single-tier West Berkshire Council in 1998. It too was under Liberal Democrat control but the Conservatives took power on the same night that Richard was elected. As a unitary authority, the council has a great deal of local influence, and Richard meets regularly with senior councillors and staff to air the views of constituents. |
