ACTIVISTS will serve warning notices to Reading Borough Council's (RBC) lead members and senior officers at the council's Policy Committee meeting on Monday.

The 'Thames Valley Public' notice from campaign group Reclaim Reading, addressed to Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader of the council, speaks of alleged 'misdemeanours' by the council.

Bearing a Thames Valley Police-style emblem and a 'we're watching you' logo, the public information notice asks the council not to close or privatise any more services.

John Hoggett, co-founder of Reclaim Reading, said: “RBC is no longer working in the interests of local people and the cuts and closures it has imposed are nothing less than direct attacks on local communities.

“We appreciate that, like all local councils, RBC has been forced to accept vicious cuts in spending by the Conservative government.

“But the impact of these cuts has been dramatically increased by the council's incompetence, arrogance, and bad decision-making.”

The warning notice states that the council's priorities have been to “advance the interests of corporate business and implement the Conservative government's shock policies, and to isolate local people and cause them to disengage from the political process.”

Reclaim Reading also opposes the sale of assets such as Arthur Hill Swimming Pool, Mapledurham Playing Fields, and the Central Club.

Mr Hoggett added: “Constructive offers to take over Council facilities for public use, made by groups like the Arthur Hill Campaign and Aspire Community Interest Company, have been dismissed out of hand.

“We see little evidence of Reading Borough Council fighting the cuts, and instead of uniting with local people to protect services, the Council has ignored us.

“We are absolutely fed up with this conduct, and now feel that we have nothing to lose by taking matters into our own hands”.

The council was previously challenged by members of GMB Union on privatisation.

They made it clear that they were trying to maintain a good quality of service for residents, while finding methods that were also cost effective.

Reclaim Reading is also supporting Disabled People Against Cuts' (DPAC) demonstration, outside the council offices on the same evening, to highlight cuts to free bus passes.

The policy committee meets on September 24 at 6.30pm, at the civic chamber, and will also make decisions on recommissioning RBC’s drug and alcohol treatment service, implementing fee increases for council services, and delegating authority for approval of highway licences.