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Berkshire weekly round-up: 11 December- 16 December 2023

Brighter Futures for Children Ruth Perry with children in the schoolBrighter Futures for Children
Ruth Perry was well-known in Caversham by parents and pupils

A warning from the head teachers' union after the inquest into Ruth Perry's death was among our most read stories this week in Berkshire.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Berkshire and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

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Head teachers 'pushed to edge of despair'

PA Media A photograph of Ruth Perry attached to railingsPA Media
The death of Berkshire head teacher Ruth Perry has led to calls for better working conditions for school leaders

School leaders are being "pushed to the edge of despair" by inspections and workload, the National Association of Head Teachers has said.

It comes after an inquest found an Ofsted inspection contributed to Reading head teacher Ruth Perry taking her own life.

Ofsted boss Amanda Spielman has apologised "for the distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection" and said reforms have already been rolled out.

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Fire station site torn down after sale to developer

Mirela Likoka The site of the old Dee Road fire stationMirela Likoka
Demolition at the Dee Road fire station site began earlier this month

An old fire station has been torn down after the land was sold to a developer.

Dee Road fire station in Tilehurst, Reading, closed in 2021 before being bought by Bellway Homes for £6.1m.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said money from the sale was funding improvements to other stations, as well as a new training facility.

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Man, dog and guinea pig rescued from house fire

RBFRS Royal Berkshire Fire & RescueRBFRS
Two Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews were sent to the scene

A man, dog and guinea pig have been rescued from a house fire.

Two crews were sent to Enborne Road in Newbury on Wednesday after flames engulfed a first-floor bedroom.

It took firefighters just over an hour to extinguish the blaze.

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Investigator recognised for helping fraud victims

Thames Valley Police Financial investigator Barry Winslade with his award from Chief Constable Jason HoggThames Valley Police
Barry Winslade was commended for his work on the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit's Asset Recovery Team

A financial investigator who helps victims of fraud and theft get their money back has been recognised for his work.

Barry Winslade, who works with Thames Valley Police, was given a commendation by chief constable Jason Hogg at the force's base in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

In two separate cases, fraudsters stole money from vulnerable people and gambled it away, mainly online.

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'Christmas joy' as ring found in bottle bank glass

re3 Waste Disposal Team Bottle bank gold ringre3 Waste Disposal Team
The gold ring was found in a "sea" of glass bottles that were emptied from the bottle bank

A man who lost his gold ring in a bottle bank said he was "lost for words" after it was found by recycling staff.

Patrick, who did not want to give his surname, lost the ring when it slipped off his finger as he recycled glass bottles in Twyford, Berkshire.

Waste firm re3 said the find by its staff had "sparked Christmas joy".

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