People in Wash Common look certain to get a new library next to the community centre.

The £100,000 project is a Tory election pledge, after the Lib Dems closed the container library last year. However, a permanent library will mean the council will have to hire an extra librarian, and running costs will be £33,000 a year.

Retail property available

People in north Newbury are keeping their fingers crossed that another newsagent can be found for the Broadway. After the loss of the Speenhamland Post Office earlier this year, Berry’s newsagent closed for the last time in early October. The building is now on the market at £400,000, incuding a flat.

Meanwhile, the Pine Shop owners are looking to quit from their Cheap Street store, on the row by Gordon’s Bar, and agents are asking for £39,500 a year from the new tenants.

Finally, Savills is marketing the Currys shop on London Road retail park, as the electrical retailer is off across town to Pinchington Lane.

New gastropub

The Carnarvon Arms at Burghclere near Newbury has reopened after a four-month refurbishment programme.

Owned by Merchant Inns, the property aims to bridge the gap between a restaurant and a gastropub.

Headed by Michelin-star chef Robert Clayton, Carnarvon Arms also offers accommodation and future plans include to expand the number of bedrooms from 12 to 23.

Drink drive arrest

Daniel Atkinson, 19, of Salcombe Road, Newbury, has been charged with drink-driving. He was arrested in Essex Street, and will appear in court on Thursday.

Bar Cuba back

Bar Cuba in Saddler’s Court is to reopen as a nightclub until 2am in the morning at weekends. The original tenants were evicted last year, but rumours that the venue is to be a gay bar have been dispelled.