Here are the top five stories that you may have missed last week.
1. Two Reading takeaways handed two-star food hygiene ratings
Two Reading takeaways have been handed a new two-out-of-five food hygiene rating.
German Doner Kebab, in Friar Street, was given the score after assessment on July 7, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.
Ken's Takeaway, in Basingstoke Road, was given the score after assessment on July 12.
The news comes after Caversham Tandoori, in Prospect Street, Caversham, was given a new one-out-of-five food hygiene rating after assessment on July 5.
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2. Iconic Reading pub opened by Charles Dickens set to be renamed
An iconic pub and hotel in Reading is undergoing a transformation that could see it being renamed for the first time in decades.
The Great Expectations has stood proud in London Street since it was opened in 1843 by Charles Dickens himself as a Literary, Scientific and Mechanics’ Institute.
After that, in 1866, it became a ‘primitive Methodist Chapel, and then in the early to mid 20th century it served as an Everyman Theatre, before becoming a pub and a hotel.
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3. Campus facilities closed after unauthorised encampment sets up at University
A number of campus facilities have been closed after an unauthorised encampment set up on the playing fields at the University of Reading.
Bosses from the education institution reported a ‘large number of vehicles’ at their Whiteknights campus on Sunday (August 21) evening.
A spokesperson for the University said: “The University is aware of an unauthorised encampment on Whiteknights campus.
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4. Store replacing Patisserie Valerie in Broad Street revealed
Patisserie Valerie closed for good at the beginning of August after failing to negotiate the terms of a new lease.
The company said they were ‘keeping a close eye out’ for other properties in the area.
GAIL’s, which first opened in London in 2005, offers bread, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches.
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5. Three found guilty and one cleared of Halloween murder of 22-year-old
Three men have been found guilty of the murder of Reece Heffernan following weeks of trial.
A jury gave their verdicts - which saw one acquitted of murder - after nine hours and 57 minutes of deliberation.
The verdicts mark the conclusion of the trial into the death of Reece Heffernan, who was stabbed to death at a property on Romany Lane, Tilehurst, on Halloween 2021.
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