Berkshire
Main towns: Berkshire is made up of the unitary authorities of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Reading Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham District Council. Other towns include Ascot and Sunningdale.
Demographics: Known as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the Royal residence of Windsor Castle, the county area covers 126,032 hectares and borders Greater London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Berkshire is among the fastest growing and most densely populated counties in Britain,
stretching from the urban areas bordering London in the east to the rural Berkshire downs in the west.
It enjoys an expanding business scene with employment levels well above the national average. The county has a population of more than 800,000, of which 50,000 are children under the age of four and 90,000 are elderly people (over the age of 65), in 313,000 domestic dwellings. The black and minority ethnic population represents 7 per cent of the population.
Geographical areas of employment in Royal Berkshire follow the M4 corridor in the technology and service industries. Overall unemployment at 11,765 – 1.47 per cent is significantly lower than the national average. Although affluent in parts there are concentrations of deprivation and social exclusion in the urban areas of Reading and Slough.Major arterial routes include the M4, A4, A33 and A34, along with many heavily trafficked secondary roads with considerable commuter through traffic. The West Country mainline runs through Berkshire and Reading is a major interchange for mainline rail services.
Population: The population of Berkshire is approximately 812,000.
Places of Interest: Donnington Castle, built in the late 14th century, is a popular attraction. The twin-towered gatehouse survives amid impressive earthworks. The Corn Exchange, situated in Newbury town centre, presents drama, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions, films, resident orchestra. In summer there are family shows and music in the streets and parks, and a pantomime December to January. Canals, fishing, golf and many other historic sites are available.
Beale Park, part of the Child Beale Trust, is located on the banks of the River Thames. The Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, with a walk through aviary, an owlery and animal favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies. Ideal for all ages, younger visitors have a choice of several adventure play areas including the UK's only Little Tikes Village.
After many years as a military site, Greenham and Crookham Common has been restored and reopened to the public. Paths and marked walk routes allow you to explore the heathland as well as taking you round old bomb sites, taxiways and the perimeter of the cruise missile silo enclosure. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and cattle and Exmoor ponies graze here.
House/Flat Prices: The average property price today, including flats and houses, is £260,500. In 2004 it was around £227,600.
Planning issues: A £300m plan to redevelop Newbury Racecourse includes 1,500 homes, a 120-bedroom hotel, hostel, new children’s nursery and renovated racing and hospitality facilities. The racecourse has already been given planning permission to construct a bridge across the railway line at Hambridge Road, over which construction traffic, racecourse staff, racegoers and visitors to the Rocking Horse Nursery and Nuffield Health (formerly Cannons) gym would eventually go.