James Aldridge

6 days ago | rdg.today | James Aldridge

The first phase of substantial changes at The Oracle shopping centre has been completed, with yet more developments coming in the future. Hammerson, the company that runs the shopping centre, has nearly completed the transformation of the former House of Fraser department store. The project, which has been years in the making, will see three companies occupy repurposed space once finished. TK Maxx opened its large new store in May, with shoppers queuing for the opening event.

6 days ago | rdg.today | James Aldridge

A hotel in Reading that is due to be reopened by a hospitality company could be getting new fitness rooms. The Crowne Plaza just south of Caversham Bridge and the River Thames in Reading, closed down late last year, and has subsequently been acquired by Village Hotels. Earlier this year, the company announced that it would be investing millions of pounds into the hotel to provide revamped guest rooms, a pub and grill, and even a Starbucks cafe.

6 days ago | rdg.today | James Aldridge

A Bishop from Kazakhstan held Catholic Mass at a church in Reading, where worshippers were blessed with a relic associated with Jesus Christ. Bishop Athanasius Schneider, who serves as an auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan, was in Reading to celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday (June 15). He held worship at the St William of York Catholic Church in Upper Redlands Road, East Reading, where Mass is held in Latin on a daily basis.

1 week ago | rdg.today | James Aldridge

The owner of a convenience store in Reading town centre has had permission to sell alcohol revoked over allegations of ‘criminal behaviour’. Gurjeet Bajaj, the owner of the Drinks 4 U store in Market Place, has been accused of hiring an illegal worker, allegedly handling stolen jackets and selling duty-diverted tobacco. Staff have also been accused of failing trading standards test purchases by selling alcohol to underage teenage volunteers.

1 week ago | rdg.today | James Aldridge

Frustrations over drivers parking in a cycle lane along a busy street in Reading have been expressed. Whitley Street in Katesgrove is home to dozens of businesses, takeaways and a Tesco Express. But frustrations have been voiced that drivers are breaking rules by double parking in the street and blocking a lane established to ease journeys for cyclists. Reading Borough Council has the power to fine for driving rule breaches, which include parking in cycle lanes.