Bracknell News: Most-read story from the week gone by

1. Loving father gets big send off

A loving father has passed away at the age of 38 after battling a rare and aggressive terminal illness.

Dave Wakefield

Dave Wakefield from Bracknell, also known as 'Little Dave', was diagnosed with Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) after complaining about pain in his abdomen in November 2020.

The father worked at The Silver Birch pub in Bracknell for 15 years and was well known within the Birch Hill community.

Dave sadly passed away with his wife Jacqui by his side on Sunday, March 27, following support from the Thames Hospice Palliative Response Team.

The funeral took place on Thursday, April 14 at Easthampstead Park Crematorium and around 200 people were expected to say their goodbyes to Dave.

2.Wimpy announces opening plans

A popular fast-food chain has announced the opening of their new franchise in Princess Square.

Wimpy

The long-awaited Wimpy which is returning to Bracknell after 40 years has confirmed that plans are well underway to open the new restaurant in early summer.

Work has already begun to transform the premises in Princess Square, bringing at least 20 jobs to the town.

Husband and wife team Del and Sukhi Ghosal, will be at the helm of Wimpy Bracknell as franchisees.

3.Hundreds respond to video critical of Bracknell

A harsh video has named Bracknell as one of the worst places to live in the south east.

We don't think Bracknell should even feature on the list - and it looks like our readers disagree too.

A poll we launched on Sunday, April 10, has seen 363 votes cast - 77 per cent people saying they love Bracknell and think it has an unfair reputation, while 23 per cent say they have been to better places.

4.Bracknell man appears in court on attempted rape charge

A Bracknell man has denied attempting to rape a woman in Buckinghamshire.

Police stock image

Andrew Custos, of Wroxham, was charged following an incident on Limmer Lane and Booker Common in High Wycombe in the early hours of the morning of February 26, 2022.

He was also accused of assaulting an emergency worker in relation to this incident.

5.Bracknell covid deaths rise sharply

Covid deaths have risen sharply in Bracknell Forest over the past week, the latest government figures show.

Covid

The data reveals that between April 2 and April 8 deaths increased by 800 per cent in the borough compared to the previous seven days.

During that period there have been nine deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. Whilst the total number is relatively small, it is the most weekly deaths seen in the borough since early February and hospital admissions across Berkshire are rising.