Wokingham Borough Council has come under public criticism after a resident questioned the political tone of a series of council Facebook posts marking the near completion of the town centre regeneration.
Resident asks for independent assessment and clearer labelling
At the full authority meeting on 23 July, Phillip Challis challenged councillors over the social-media campaign which the council has used to highlight newly completed features of the multi-million-pound regeneration.
“The council Facebook page has recently been promoting the virtues of the Wokingham Town regeneration, which was somewhat controversial when it was approved… It is not clear who is responsible for the content of these posts, which, although not overtly party political, are surely political.”
The posts referenced by Mr Challis showcase elements of the scheme — described in council material as an enhanced Market Place, the Carnival Hub, business space in Peach Place and the transformation of Elms Field. Planning for the work began in 2010.
Councillors defend project, point to lived experience
Reading the question on Mr Challis’ behalf, borough mayor Rob Comber (Liberal Democrats, Wescott) introduced the matter at the meeting. Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey (Liberal Democrats, Emmbrook) responded by outlining the masterplan objectives as publicly set out earlier in the regeneration programme.
She said the plan aimed to create a thriving town centre, support an 18-hour economy, improve public spaces and maintain a high standard of design. Councillor Shepherd-DuBey added that a key measure of success was the experience of those who live, work and visit Wokingham, and noted that local businesses featured in the council campaign had described a positive impact.
Calls for a full review and clearer messaging
Mr Challis urged the council to take further steps: to clarify who is responsible for social-media content, to ensure posts are not perceived as party political, and to make clear that the works were specific to Wokingham Town rather than implying borough-wide regeneration. He also asked for a full review of the project judged against the full range of objectives, including financial aspects, to provide a more balanced interpretation of success than selective promotional posts.
- Planning for the regeneration began in 2010.
- Key completed elements cited by the council: Market Place, Carnival Hub, Peach Place business space and Elms Field.
- Resident requested a comprehensive review covering objectives and financial outcomes.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Planning | Begun in 2010 |
| Delivery | Market Place, Carnival Hub, Peach Place, Elms Field (largely completed) |
The exchange highlights questions that frequently arise when local authorities promote large-scale projects online: who signs off promotional material, how the material is framed, and whether communications adequately acknowledge contestation or differing experiences across a wider area of the borough. Mr Challis’ intervention also reflects concern from residents in other population centres who, he said, already feel overlooked and awaiting regeneration in their localities.
No commitment to the specific review Mr Challis requested was recorded in the exchange at the meeting. Council officers and councillors have previously publicised the scheme’s aims and local business endorsements as part of the council's communications campaign.
As the physical works near completion, questions raised at the meeting will be important for councillors to address if they are to maintain public trust: clear authorship of council communications, transparent assessment against stated objectives and explicit separation of civic updates from party-political messaging where appropriate.
