Council Information
Council Meetings
Meetings of the full Town Council are held once every eight weeks on Mondays, normally starting at 7.30pm. These are the main meetings of the Council, presided over by the Mayor. Minutes of the committees are received and adopted. Other business can include presentations from local bodies.
There are four committees of the Council:
| Committee | Meets approximately every | |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and Resources Committee | Six weeks | |
| Planning and Highways Committee | Three weeks | |
| Community Services Committee | Six weeks | |
| Arts and Leisure Committee | Six weeks |
All Town Council meetings are held in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall, Market Place, Newbury. Members of the public are very welcome to attend all meetings. There are seats specially reserved for you. Every effort is made to ensure that members of the public can understand the meetings and feel at ease.
The Council Notice Board
Just outside the main door of the Town Hall, there is a notice board. This gives prior details of each meeting of the Council.
Civic Events
Every year there are at least three civic events at which the Town Councillors dress in their traditional robes and hats. These events are:
- Remembrance Sunday which is, of course, in November. This includes a service at the war memorial in Bartholomew Street followed by a service in St Nicolas Church.
- The Christmas Civic Service in December is normally held in St Nicolas Church and includes a full traditional Carol Service with readings.
- The Mayor-Making ceremony, usually held in the Corn Exchange, Newbury in May, followed by a civic service.
In addition to the above events there are some other civic events each year.
Beating of the Bounds
This traditional event takes place normally in June. Led by the Mayor, councillors and residents walk along the perimeter of Newbury Town. As this perimeter is very long, the event is usually split over two Sunday afternoons. The Beating of the Bounds is a most enjoyable Town Council event held to mark special years. e.g. The 400th anniversary of the town's Charter and the Millennium year.
Having your say
You can ask a question(s) at Newbury Town Council meetings. You need to notify the Chief Executive in advance by faxing your question to 01635 40484, e-mail your question to: towncouncil@newbury.gov.uk or by taking it to the Town Hall before 2pm on the day of the meeting. You will then be given an opportunity to ask your question(s) at the beginning of the meeting.
At meetings of the Planning and Highways Committee, there is a point in the meeting when residents affected by an application have the opportunity to speak for a brief period.
Surgery on the Town Hall Steps
Every Saturday between 10am and 12noon, two Newbury Town Councillors position themselves at the steps of the Town Hall to listen to residents' concerns and answer questions.
Contacting the Town Council
The council offices are the Town Hall, Market Place, Newbury. The main entrance is now in Mansion House Street. The offices are normally open during the following hours:
| Monday- Thursday | 0900 - 1700 hrs | |
| Friday | 0900 - 1630 hrs |
The phone number is 01635 35486. The fax number is 01635 40484 and the e-mail address is towncouncil@newbury.gov.uk.
