10 years ago

THE long-awaited redevelopment of Townlands Hospital won’t start until next year at the earliest. NHS Property Services, which is now in charge of the £8.7 million project, says it is still negotiating with contractors over costs. It is the ninth delay to hit the scheme, meaning the start date has now slipped back by a total of more than three years.

A man who helped organise Live Aid has urged Henley Town Council to donate £4 million in aid to the Philippines. Peter Burness-Smith claims the council can spare the money received from land sold to Tesco for its store off Reading Road to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Up to 2,500 people are feared dead and an estimated 670,000 have been forced to leave their homes after winds of up to 200mph hit the country last week.

A half-pipe has been cordoned off by Henley Town Council due to safety fears. The fibreglass ramp at Makins recreation ground has developed holes which could injure skateboarders and BMX riders. A fence has been erected and notices put up around the equipment. Town clerk Mike Kennedy said council staff carried out a site visit in response to a report.