Council Updates – August 2025 Compilations Article

Here’s a short update on what your Parish Council has been working on recently:

🏘️ Housing Needs Survey – What We’ve Learned
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Compton Parish Housing Needs Survey. By the time the survey closed, 157 responses had been received – around 24% of all households in the parish – showing strong community engagement on this important issue.

Early results highlight a clear and immediate housing need. 34 households reported that someone in their home will require alternative accommodation within the next five years, with 8 needing to move immediately. Reasons included setting up a first home, needing to buy locally, or requiring a home better suited to changing needs. The survey also revealed that 28 individuals have left the parish in the past five years due to a lack of suitable or affordable housing. Encouragingly, there was strong support for affordable homes for those with a local connection – a valuable insight as the Parish Council considers future development plans.

Further findings will be shared once the full analysis has been completed by the Community Council for Berkshire (CCB).

⚽ Sports Pavilion Improvements
New flooring is being installed at the Sports Pavilion this summer. The upgraded surface will help improve heat retention and make the space easier to clean and maintain – making it more comfortable and practical for everyone who uses it. This project has been made possible thanks to generous support from several funders: the Let’s Get Active fund from West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust, the Greenham Trust Youth Distribution Committee, Peter Baker Grants, the West Berkshire Council Members’ Bid, and a kind anonymous donor. The Parish Council extends its sincere thanks to all those who contributed.

🌱Burial Ground Project
The new burial ground is currently waiting for the final land transfer to be completed. Once this is completed, an archaeological survey – a necessary part of the process – will be carried out. We’ll keep the community updated as things progress.

🏡 Pirbright Institute

A big thank you to everyone who joined the Pirbright Institute site development engagement sessions run by Homes England. If you couldn’t make it or want to revisit the info, all materials, including a link to watch the webinar, are now available on the Compton Homes England website https://www.comptonhe.co.uk/

We are grateful for your continued interest and encourage everyone to stay engaged as the process moves forward.

🌻 Allotment Reminders
A reminder to all allotment holders: if you haven’t yet returned your rent payment and signed tenancy agreement, please do so as soon as possible. These are essential to keep your plot for the coming year. Thank you for helping us keep the allotments running smoothly!

🌿 Help Keep Footpaths Clear
A reminder to all residents: please check for any hedges or plants from your property that may be overhanging public footpaths. Overgrown vegetation can make it difficult or unsafe for people to pass – especially those using pushchairs, mobility scooters, or with visual impairments. Keeping paths clear helps make our village safer and more accessible for everyone.

🚶Explore Local Walks

Looking for the perfect local walking route? Our handy leaflet, featuring a detailed map of scenic walks in the area, is now available on our website! Whether you’re after a peaceful countryside stroll or an adventurous trail, this guide will help you find the best paths to explore.

Visit https://comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk/maps-and-leaflets/ to see our leaflet on the footpaths, bridleways, and byways in the parish.

👥Parish Councillor Vacancies – Get Involved
We currently have three vacancies on the Parish Council. With major developments ahead, it’s more important than ever to have a full council representing a range of voices. If you’re passionate about Compton’s future and want to help shape it, we encourage you to apply.

Find out more and download an application form at: comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk/vacancies.

🗓️ Next Meeting
Join us for the next Parish Council meeting on Monday 1st September at 7pm in the Wilkins Centre. All residents are welcome.