Welcome to Friends of Christchurch Green

Who are we?

Friends of Christchurch Green (FoCG) is a group of neighbours who live in and around the Christchurch Green area of Reading. Many local residents have called this area home for years – often decades. With the town centre and the Royal Berkshire Hospital close by, Christchurch Green is a much-loved and well-used part of the community.

Friends of Christchurch Green was formed in early 2020, when seven very local residents came together following another Reading Borough Council planning application meeting affecting the area. The aim was simple: to give local people a collective voice and to work positively to protect, enhance and improve Christchurch Green and its surroundings.

Our aims and objectives

Our work is guided by the following aims:

• To encourage collaboration with interested parties and stakeholders

• To preserve and enhance Christchurch Green and its surrounding area

• To strengthen the sense of community and belonging

• To help make Christchurch Green an area the community can be proud of

• To seek suitable funding opportunities that enable improvements for the benefit of the area

The group continues to evolve and meets bi-monthly alongside local councillors and representatives from the University of Reading. Meetings provide an opportunity to raise issues, share ideas and progress practical improvements. There have already been positive changes, and the group remains committed to keeping Christchurch Green a place where residents and visitors can enjoy themselves and feel safe.

You are warmly invited to join our future dialogue and development.

What we’ve been working on

To date, our work and ideas include:

• A website – simple but informative, explaining who we are and how to get in touch

• Work around the former heating shop on Christchurch Road and adjacent land, helping to discourage unsightly rubbish tipping

• Ongoing engagement with the University of Reading’s Community Engagement Manager and local councillors regarding improvements to the Green (Friends of Christchurch Green is a non-political group and does not take part in party politics, although local councillors and the local MP have supported our aims and some of our activities)

Current and developing projects

• Heritage Board
  Funding, design and installation of a Heritage Board on Christchurch Green, linking the University and the local community. The board will highlight the history of the Whiteknights campus and the local area, helping new residents and students feel a sense of connection and belonging.

• Conservation
  Receiving regular feedback from the Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) on areas of special interest, helping to protect the character of the area.

• Social activities
  Arranging an annual social event to give neighbours a relaxed opportunity to meet and get to know one another.

• Litter bins
  Planning for additional litter bins, potentially sponsored by the University, to reduce litter and help prevent cars from mounting the pavement along the kerbside.

• Information sharing
  Sharing relevant and timely information through regular meetings and a mailing list, keeping residents informed about issues affecting the area.

• Group finances
  There is no cost to join Friends of Christchurch Green. However, there are small incidental costs associated with our activities, such as printing letters and leaflets.
  
  A voluntary contribution of £5 helps ensure that no individual member is left out of pocket.

  Bank details:
  Account name: Friends of Christchurch Green
  Account number: 51195089
  Sort code: 60-01-13

  When making a donation, please use your surname as the reference so we can accurately and confidentially record your payment.

Other work we’ve investigated or instigated

The group has also been involved in:

• Regular litter-picks in the local area, with ongoing monitoring and reporting of littering

• Deliveries and parking bay issues near the Christchurch Road shops

• Helping to keep Cintra Park a place that the whole community can enjoy and use

• Monitoring the condition of Back Lane behind the Christchurch Road shops

• Monitoring and suggesting changes to cycle lanes and traffic-calming measures

• Monitoring and responding to planning applications in the vicinity, both new and in progress

Get involved

Many residents around Christchurch Green have lived in their homes for years – often decades – and newcomers regularly comment on how friendly and welcoming the area feels. While much has been achieved, there is still plenty to do, and new ideas and voices are always welcome.

You don’t need to commit large amounts of time to be involved. Some people attend meetings, others help with specific projects, and many simply stay informed through our mailing list.

If you would like to find out more, receive updates, or get involved in the work of Friends of Christchurch Green, please complete the contact form, and someone will be in touch.