Here are the top five stories published in the Reading Chronicle this week (Saturday, February 10 to Saturday, February 17).
1. Village in Berkshire named BEST place to live in England
Garrington Property Finders have released their list of the Best Places to Live 2024 in England and Wales and a village in Berkshire has nabbed first place.
Twyford, a picture-postcard village in Berkshire sandwiched between Bucklebury, the Princess of Wales’s childhood home, and her royal residence in Windsor came in at number one.
A spokesperson for Garrington Property Finders said “Twyford’s pristine, pollution-free air and low crime rate propelled it to 15th place in the wellbeing category.
Read full story here
2. New Primark store to open soon in Berkshire in 2025
The new Primark store in Newbury is confirmed to open its doors in 2025.
The bargain clothing store will occupy a split of the former Debenhams store at Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury.
The proposed shop extends to c 35,000 sq ft over ground and first floors, bringing Primark’s much-loved value clothing, beauty and homewares to shoppers.
Read full story here
3. Cyclist dies after hit-and-run in Reading on Valentine's Day
A cyclist has died following a suspected hit-and-run near Royal Berkshire Hospital.
A man was struck down by a motorist and reportedly attacked by the driver who fled the scene, according to police.
The incident occurred at around 11:50pm on Wednesday, February 14 on Addington Road at the junction of Cadugan Place.
Read full story here
4. Body found in search for missing Earley man who disappeared in 2023
A body has been found in the search for a 21-year-old who went missing just days after Christmas.
Tristan, from Earley, was last seen on December 29, 2023, with police appealing for help in finding him as concern mounted for his welfare.
Thames Valley Police have now confirmed that a body has been discovered in their search for Tristan.
Read full story here
5. Barista and Beyond café announces closure of Reading branch
A Reading coffee shop has been forced to close its doors after ‘challenging trading conditions have impacted the business in recent months’.
Barista and Beyond café, located on Alfred Street, opened on March 22 2023 as a Today Ways to Work project. The CIC was launched to deliver employment to individuals with various needs and employment barriers.
An announcement issued on the cafe's social media and website has confirmed that it will be closing later this month after less than a year in operation.
Read full story here
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