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Result: Chazey Road mobile phone mast refused!

I am delighted to say the application for a mobile phone mast in Chazey Road has been refused by Reading Borough Council.

Click here to download and enlarge

The decision notice states:

I am writing to advise that Reading Borough Council as local planning authority hereby REFUSE approval for the siting and appearance of the development proposed in the abovementioned application in accordance with the submitted drawings and documents.

Reasons for Refusal:

1. The proposed 18m high wraparound monopole and the associated cabinet equipment, by reason of their design, height, bulk and prominent siting would appear as visually dominant, obtrusive and out of keeping with the verdant character of the street, with

consequent harm to the visual amenity, character and appearance of the immediate and wider surrounding area, contrary to Policies CC7 and OU3 of the Reading Borough Local Plan (Adopted November 2019) and the NPPF (2021).

2. Without sufficient detail and compelling evidence to justify the choice of site, the proposed development has failed to demonstrate that no preferable alternative sites are potentially available which would result in a development that would be less visually

intrusive, contrary to Policy OU3 of the Reading Borough Local Plan (2019) and the NPPF (2021).

You can see my original post here alerting residents to this application. Thank you to everyone who took the time and trouble to respond to the statutory planning consultation. It is great so many people expressed their views.

Please note however that the applicant may appeal this decision. If you have any questions on this, or any other council-related matter, do get in touch with me.

As ever, I will highlight planning applications of great interest, whether I'm in support or have concerns.

Proposed mobile phone mast in Chazey Road near junction with St Peter's Avenue

Click here to download and enlarge

Happy New Year to all my readers!

I'm afraid my first post this year is a call to action on a planning application.

In December C K Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd submitted a planning application for an 18 m (59 ft) tall telecommunications street pole and three cabinets. It is proposed in Chazey Road near the junction with St Peter’s Avenue on ‘site to the south of 55 St Peter’s Avenue’.

I am bringing this to your attention because I have strong concerns about the impact it will have on the character of the area. Should you share my objections, please respond to the consultation as soon as possible (deadline 6th January).

There are only three valid planning grounds on which such an application can be refused. These are:

1. Siting and appearance – the developer should ensure that the apparatus is sited and designed so as to minimise its visual impact. The proposal should not have an adverse impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area.

2. Alternative sites – the applicant is required to show that a robust search of potential sites was conducted and various alternative sites were considered and discounted. The reasons for discounting alternative sites should also be included.

3. Health Matters – the applicant must demonstrate that there would be no health risks associated with the proposed development.

Rough illustration using Google Street View

The applicant has submitted several documents to show there is no basis for a refusal on health matters. However, I believe there are grounds for refusal on the first two and I have submitted my objections accordingly. 

If you would like to object too, follow this link to the council's website and write the application reference number 221825 in the appropriate box. Fill in the other boxes as prompted.

All the plans and supportive information can be read on the council’s website here.

Let me know if you have any questions on this, or any other council-related matter, by sending me an email: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk 

Keys jewellery and emptied bag found after party at Mapledurham Playing Fields

Last night, Saturday 28 May, about 40 teenagers had a party at Mapledurham Playing Fields near the woodland in the north-east corner. 

First thing this morning I found a girl's bag (not shown in photos) which looked like someone had rifled through it as it was inside out with contents strewn a little way away but there wasn't any money or cards.

If I am right, I fear it was one of the group. I haven't touched the bag with my hands just in case the owner wants to report a theft to the police. 

Amongst the items were some keys and jewellery. Do get in touch if they are yours, my number is 07717 292 003.

Leaving that aside I'm pleased to say I didn't find any broken glass nor vandalism to trees. 

However the vast majority of the youths, who I'd guess were Year 13 & 14s, weren't strong enough to take their lighter, empty glass bottles of vodka, cans or plastic bottles over to one of the litter bins. 

This is ridiculous as they will all have had to carry the full bottles and cans a much longer distance to get to MPF. The black sack in my first photo is mine, but the Tesco and other bags had been used to bring the food and drinks to the party. The bag in my second photo had actually partially been filled by the teenagers, but none of them could be bothered to carry it to a bin.

Let everyone enjoy the open space, so leave it in the condition you find it. Clear everything away you bring. Thank you.

If you are a parent, please drum it into your teenagers to take responsibility for their rubbish. Other people shouldn't have to clear up after them.

UPDATE: I am pleased to say I've managed to reunite the owner of the bag with her possessions.

How the rubbish near the bench had been discarded across the wider area before being litter picked

Additional roadworks in Caversham

I received the following from RBC Streetworks Friday evening 8th April:

Additional information relating to Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) - Instalcom works around Church Road/Church Street Caversham

 

Further to the information provided earlier this week relating to the progression of works being carried out by Instalcom around Church Road and Church Street, Caversham.  I regret to inform you of two further emergency works notified to the Streetworks Team that are impacting on the immediate area around Church Road and Church Street Caversham.

 

Thames Water are addressing an active leak within the current Instalcom site in Church Road.. I understand a specifically designed clamp has been ordered and will be fitted Saturday morning (9 April).  I have received communication from Instalcom confirming for reasons of safety, this added emergency work will unfortunately prevent the traffic management from being temporarily relocated this weekend as planned.  The site continues to be under Instalcom’s traffic management and the temporary signals manually controlled 7am-7pm daily, including weekends. 

 

Thames Water are also addressing emergency repairs to a burst on a 6” main within the carriageway in Prospect Street.  To allow works to be carried out safely the permanent signals on the junction of Prospect Street, Peppard Road, Henley Road and Westfield Road have been switched out and replaced with temporary signals.  Thames Water are aware of the impact this second emergency site will have on the immediate area and have confirmed these temporary signals will also  be managed under manual control 7am -7pm daily including this weekend and whilst these works have been Noticed until Thursday 14 April,  they will endeavour to complete works as soon as possible and switch on the permanent signals.

 

The Streetworks Team are  aware of the impact these additional unforeseen emergency works will have on the Network and we wish to assure you we continue close and frequent communications with both Utilities and will pursue the lifting of any unnecessary traffic management at the earliest opportunity, when safe to do so.

Response to misrepresentations over proceedings at MPF Management Committee mtg

Mapledurham Playing Fields (last year) 

Tonight I made a statement at the Mapledurham Playing Fields (MPF) Trustees Sub-Committee meeting to set out a couple of facts regarding last week's MPF Management Committee meeting which I chaired on 29th March.

These related to posts on social media which have falsely represented what I and other members said and agreed at our meeting. Below is my statement, which includes a link to an extract of the initial draft MPF Management Committee minutes for the relevant part of the meeting.

Good evening

Thank you for the opportunity to make a statement.

I’ll start by sharing feedback on the completed works at Mapledurham Playing Fields. I’ve heard much praise for the vastly improved accessibility which has opened up the playing fields to wheelchair users. Now mobility impaired grandparents are able to enjoy watching their grandchildren play football, and children’s buggies and wheelchairs are able to reach the new playground. Added to this, the lighting up of the central avenue, together with the fact that there are more people about, has made residents feel safe to walk their dogs alone.

The Pavilion’s major rebuild and partial refurbishment has transformed it beyond recognition into a fabulous facility for everyone. A few finishing touches still need doing - you have already seen and approved the request to buy and install sound proofing panels, plus the need for more kitchen storage, but the building is nearly there. Some residents who originally opposed the building of the school have changed their minds. They’ve acknowledged the massive benefits achieved. As Trustees, I hope you will be as pleased as I am that this highly controversial project has been such a tremendous success. We, along with officers, can all hold our heads up high.

I’d like to turn now to the meeting I chaired on Tuesday 29th March of the Mapledurham Playing Fields Management Committee, at which we discussed officer reports about the playing fields and pavilion.

Madam Chair, as you will be aware, the following organisations each have a representative on the Management committee: Mapledurham Lawn Tennis Club, Caversham Trents Football Club, Mapledurham Parish, The Heights Primary School, User Groups, and WADRA.

In addition, the Council has three councillors including me on the Committee. Three officers were present to support the Committee, one of whom took the minutes.

I have had confirmation back from the majority, that my recollection and account of the meeting is correct.

One of the topics discussed was rental charges, including the charges to WADRA for use of the Pavilion for their Thursday afternoon Community Café. 

WADRA appear to have taken for granted that, unlike all the other voluntary user groups of the Pavilion on the discounted community rate, they are entitled to its free use. The Council does have a process for groups to apply for funding and I have provided this to WADRA. The Community Café is in itself a good thing and I hope they are successful with their application.

Tonight, to set the record straight and to correct the inaccuracies and misunderstandings that some on social media have displayed – I set out the facts.

Point One: Because the representative of Caversham Trents Football Club was unable to attend, I read out the statement he had sent me, expressing support for the principle of WADRA being given a fee reduction/waiver for the Community Café but said that WADRA should provide attendance numbers and look at funding opportunities. Hardly a misrepresentation or misinterpretation of Caversham Trents’ position.

Point Two: There was no vote. There was no vote on whether to waive the charges or otherwise. Instead, it was noted that WADRA had believed they were getting free usage, but that that hadn’t been officers’ understanding. It was agreed that officers would investigate further the exact situation and evidence in terms of what had been agreed to be charged, and come back to the next Management meeting with options for resolving the situation.

Following the meeting there’ve been several posts on this topic on Caversham’s social media. Specifically, I am alleged to have misrepresented the views of Caversham Trents Football Club, while Committee members and I are alleged to have voted against WADRA getting free usage of the Pavilion, resulting in closure of their Community Café. These allegations grossly misrepresent both the proceedings and the outcome.

I ask that you note my statement, which is corroborated by the relevant section of the initial draft minutes that I forwarded to you in advance of this meeting.

In closing, it’s obviously very disappointing, indeed a matter of great regret, that some posts online, have chosen to criticise my handling of the Committee meeting and to denigrate me and other members of the Committee. Now that the facts are in the public domain, inaccurate posts should cease. I reserve my right to institute legal proceedings.

A YouTube recording of last night's meeting is here.

Update on City Fibre's road works in Caversham

Here is an update on the Caversham roadworks commissioned by CityFibre, on which I've reported before, to install full fibre network.

Failure of temporary lights - if out of hours - call me on 07717 292 003 and I will report it direct to the management company's out of hours number. Alternatively, call Reading Borough Council's call centre via: 0118 9373737 and they will ring the management company.

Ongoing works

At the beginning of this week, the left hand filter for vehicles coming north over Caversham Bridge (towards the Griffin Pub) was meant to be opened back up. However because of damage caused by vehicles to the existing permanent signals - which will require immediate work to fix/replace the poles and heads - this did not happen.

To avoid the risk of any revisits needed here a Council Highways officer has told me their signal contractors will be carrying out these repairs today (7th April) but will require the filter lane to remain closed to complete this safely.

It is important they action this as soon as possible so the permanent signals can be fully operational and in safe working order upon completion of these works.

The filter lane should be reopened before close of play tomorrow, 8th April.

I have asked the Council to put out communications regarding the works in Caversham as they have a PR Department.

Avoid Caversham Bridge until 15 April

CityFibre's works to install full fibre network across Caversham Bridge and into nearby roads Caversham side started a week ago. The works, which entail digging up and laying fibre caballing, are due to be finished by 15 April. If travelling during the daytime, especially in the rush hour, you are best off avoiding the junction altogether.

Lane closed northbound, Caversham Bridge

North of Caversham Bridge, 3-way temporary lights have been installed at the Church Street junction with the A4074/Church Road, with the northbound lanes on the bridge reduced down to one. Any northbound driver wanting to turn left past The Griffin PH towards St Peter's Hill has to wait in the queue as the filter left is closed. Added to this, because the lights are 3-way rather than the usual 2-way, the junction's capacity has been reduced dramatically, causing long tailbacks.

I've pressed Reading Borough Council's Highways to ensure everything possible that can be done is being done to minimise disruption to residents and businesses. The two most experienced 'gangs' are working on this area; they are opening up and closing up the trenches as swiftly as possible; they've got more supervisors concentrated here than elsewhere and the grab machine is onsite - to be as time efficient as possible. In addition, during peak hours they are manning the lights. 

Church Road approaching the junction

I've asked whether it might be possible to change to 2-way lights - so that vehicles can travel south from Church Street at the same time as northbound vehicles come over Caversham Bridge. Officers are looking into this but have highlighted the challenges of the bend near the former Lloyds Bank where sight lines are bad. As everyone will appreciate, pedestrian and cyclist safety is extremely important.

For those who have to go through the centre of Caversham, remember everyone's journey will be improved if the junctions are kept clear. Don't be like the arrogant, impatient driver who rather than wait his turn, overtook the westbound traffic on the wrong side of the road, only to meet an east-bound car head on that forced him to reverse back along the Gosbrook Road, delaying others, and himself.

Separately I've asked Thames Valley Police whenever possible if they are able to enforce the Church Street/Bridge Street box junction and also the keep clear at the roundabout south of Caversham Bridge during peak hours.

The benefits to residents and businesses of getting digitally connected through CityFibre's works will far outweigh the inconvenience of the next few weeks. 

UPDATE: On behalf of 2 residents who have commented on my post I've asked officers whether the council can get the contractor to work weekends. I've also asked whether by preventing traffic from turning right into Church Road this would enable north and south bound traffic to travel through the junction at the same time.

Incident at zebra crossing on A4074

Shortly after the incident

This morning shortly before 7.30 am an incident happened at the new zebra crossing on the Upper Woodcote Road (A4074). 

I've received accounts from a couple of residents who saw the aftermath. Fortunately it appears as though nobody was injured. There was damage to two vehicles travelling in the same direction from an impact between them.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) attended the scene. They have a duty to investigate the incident. They will send their report to Reading Borough Council. In such cases the council would need to implement safety actions  TVP identifies. 

I am in contact with The Heights school as large numbers of parents and pupils use the crossing to get to and from school every day. I have had a conversation too with an RBC Highways officer.

Previously there have been calls for the pedestrian crossing to be signalised. Another request has been for the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.

I would welcome residents' views while we await the outcome of TVP's investigation. Please email me at: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk

Community Safety Survey for Reading Borough's residents

Reading Borough Council is inviting the town's residents to fill out the 2021 Community Safety Survey  about crime, disorder and other local issues.

Here is a link to this online survey. Please encourage friends, neighbours and relatives who live in Reading Borough to complete it too.

Help needed to catch flasher in Caversham

Thames Valley Police have issued the following statement. If you can help find this man, please contact them: 

"Thames Valley Police is appealing for information following an incident of exposure in Caversham.

The victim, a teenage girl was walking in Morecombe Avenue at about 3.25pm on Monday (13/9).

A man then approach the victim and exposed himself to her.

The offender is described as a white man and about 5ft 5ins tall. He was wearing a black rainproof jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

Investigating officer PC Mark Stubbs said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Morecombe Avenue on Monday afternoon, or anyone with footage, whether that be from CCTV, dashcam or doorbell camera in the area to contact the force.

“You can contact the force via our website or by calling 101, quoting investigation reference 43210412623.”

Reading will be celebrating National Older People's Day on 1 October

Below is a statement from Reading Borough Council:

Reading will be celebrating National Older People's Day on Friday October 1 with a free fun-packed event at Broad Street Mall, 10am until 3pm, highlighting the contribution older people make to the Reading community.

Older People’s Day coincides with the UN International Day of Older Persons. The main aim for the day is to be a celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and the economy. Older People’s Day supports the campaign to challenge negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes, the theme for 2021 is ‘looking forward to the future’.

Older People's Day is an opportunity to celebrate later life and the huge contribution older people make to our communities. This wonderful free event aims to celebrate these achievements and residents are encouraged to come along and join on Friday October 1.

Some people may be feeling anxious and you’re encouraged to come along to the Broad Street Mall on Older People’s Day to meet other people and services who really can help you look forward to the future.

Reading is a vibrant town with a rich array of local services that support residents, come along and find out how they can help you; Citizens Advice Reading, MacMillan Cancer Education, Compass Recovery College, Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading to name but a few. Royal Berkshire Hospital will also be offering free blood pressure checks on the day.

The Mayor of Reading, Cllr David Stevens, will welcome everyone at 10am followed by a host of entertainment including; dance, art and crafts and Tai Chi taster sessions. There will be stalls offering information and advice on a wide variety of services from over 20 local organisations. At 11am join a relaxed hour-long guided history walk around Reading Abbey Ruins, weather permitting. Places on the walk can be booked by emailing Reading Museum museum.education@reading.gov.uk

We have all faced many challenges over the last 18 months and COVID has led to increased loneliness and isolation for older people. This year’s National Older People’s Day event is to demonstrate the resilience of older people in our community and the great work of voluntary organisations and community groups who have supported older people during difficult times.

Green Waste collections to restart from Monday 6th September in Reading

Reading Borough Council (RBC) announced today, 31 August, that green waste collections - which had been suspended from 19 July - will restart from 6 September.

Residents have been asked by RBC to put out their green wheelie bins or bags on their normal green waste collection day from w/c 6 September. No additional side green waste will be collected however, with RBC asking residents to book a slot at the Civic Amenity Site at Smallmead.

RBC said the suspension of collections was brought in because of "a significant reduction in waste drivers and loaders and council waste resources needed to focus on priority collections of residual waste and recycling, including food waste collections."

Subscribers to the green waste scheme will not lose out financially. Their subscription period will be automatically extended to cover any weeks missed.

Inspection notes of pedestrian island on Upper Woodcote Rd near The Heights school

On Friday 6 August I held a meeting with a Reading Borough Council Highways officer and a local resident to inspect the new pedestrian island in Upper Woodcote Road and discuss concerns. 

Vehicles have damaged the island's kerb stones as can be seen in my photo below which has raised safety questions. I wanted to establish whether it was built to the correct dimensions, complies with the prerequisite National standards and what the outstanding works were before it is completed ready for the school opening in September.  

View east showing island's damaged kerb stone

I'll summarise for readers wishing just the headlines. 

• It is usual for tweaks to Highways works after planning permission is granted to be made without reverting back for further planning permission.
• The traffic island complies with National standards
• The measurements have been checked
• It is yet to have illuminated signage and revisions to the road markings after resurfacing of the road
• These items will be delivered after the zebra crossing has been finished
• Reading Borough Council will not be implementing any parking controls prior to The Heights school opening in September, apart from  on the junction entrance where School Keep Clear markings will go down

The officer kindly wrote up his notes for me as requested, including information about the zebra crossing under construction. As there is wider public interest, I'm publishing his notes in blue below:

"Following the planning application stage the applicant and the Highway  authority engaged in discussions regarding the Highways works associated with the school development and this resulted in some minor changes to the design through this detailed design stage, which is common place in the vast majority of schemes requiring Highway works.  Given that the alterations related solely to Public Highway these were not required to go back through the planning applications process. 

One of the changes to the scheme relates to the dimensions of the pedestrian refuge island which was agreed should be increased in width so that it could facilitate additional pedestrians and would be of benefit to the safety of those utilising the crossing.  This design is subject to the S278 Agreement between the DfE and the Council and a copy of the approved drawing can be viewed here. 

The retained carriageway width either side of the pedestrian refuge island is 3m, which is in accordance with the National Standards and on site checks have verified that this width is provided.

It should be stressed that the pedestrian refuge crossing facility is not completed with the provision of illuminated signage and revisions to the road markings still to be undertaken by the developers contractor.  These works have been delayed given they are to be completed post the resurfacing scheme that is to be undertaken by the developer as part of the wider package of works and as such the road markings would be completed post this resurfacing.  These works will take place post the construction of the zebra crossing.

Highway Officers have previously expressed to the contractors that the crossing should not be opened up to the public until the full scheme has been completed and on 6th August Officers reiterated this to the contractor given that the barriers restricting the use of the crossing facility had been removed.

It should also be stressed that the Highway works are subject to independent road safety audits, one of which is completed pre commencement of the works and identified no fundamental issue with the design of the scheme with all areas of concern appropriately addressed.  An additional road safety audit would be undertaken post completion of the works and Highway Officers will be requesting that this be undertaken as soon as works are complete given the sensitivities and concerns regarding the scheme.

The existing bus stops on Upper Woodcote Road within the vicinity of the works will be relocated as agreed at the planning application stage and as such will not conflict with the proposed pedestrian refuge crossing as can be seen on this drawing.

A zebra crossing is to be constructed south east of the school access within close proximity to Knowle Close. The crossing will also be provided with independent street lighting columns to provide visibility for those crossing at night and these columns will include shields at the back of the column head to reduce light spillage.  The zebra crossing will not be provided with a school crossing patroller.   

These two new crossing facilities would be the only dedicated pedestrian crossing facilities in the vicinity, which will not only aid travel to and from the school but for the wider community to travel to and from Mapledurham playing fields, between bus stops and other pedestrian journeys.  The only other island within the vicinity of the site is splitter island at the junction with Woodcote Way, which is not designed for pedestrians as its purpose is to keep vehicle traffic on the correct side of the carriageway. 

For information the Council will not be implementing any parking controls prior to the opening of the school apart from the school keep clear markings on Upper Woodcote Road (which are provided within the scope of the developers works) but reviews will be undertaken by Officers to establish what measures may or may not be required once the school is operational to ensure that the correct scheme is progressed.  This approach was agreed by Councillors at the Traffic Management Sub Committee in January of this year."  

As usual, if you have any questions about this, or any other council-related matter in Mapledurham Ward do contact me at: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk 

Reading Borough's Library consultation

On 9 August 2021 Reading Borough Council launched a six-week consultation on its ‘vision’ for Reading’s Library Service. Residents are invited to have their say via an online survey and at consultation events taking place locally. This is an extract from RBC's press release:

The Council is developing a draft Library Strategy for the next 3 years. The purpose of the strategy is to guide the service to further supporting our communities, being innovative and providing an excellent experience for everyone.

Unlike many local authority areas where libraries have been permanently shut due to budget pressures, Reading Council has retained all of its seven library branches and is fully committed to maintaining this approach by making the best possible use of its limited resources.

The vision for Reading Libraries is that they are innovative, accessible to all, at the heart of all of our communities and enhancing the lives of Reading people. They inspire learning and enjoyment, provide books, content and activities and help everyone to navigate the digital world.

• The vision is underpinned by five key focus areas:
• Supporting our communities as we recover from the pandemic
• Helping Children and Young People
• Improving access to online services
• Supporting improvements in Health, Wellbeing and Literacy
• Bringing arts, culture and heritage to library spaces

The Council is now inviting residents to feedback on these priorities. Residents are also asked to share how they use the library service, what is most important to them and what they would be most interested in using in future. They are invited to comment on Reading Central Library and the Library’s Home Service.

An online consultation launches today at www.reading.gov.uk/libraryconsultation 

There will be a consultation event at Central Library on Tuesday 24 August between 11am and 4pm. This will offer an opportunity for people to feedback in person and the chance to ask questions about the library service.

Alongside the online survey and the library event, several focus groups are being held during the six-week period, with key groups in Reading.

Albert Road burglary

Please help Thames Valley Police by responding with relevant information to their request:

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a residential burglary in Caversham.

It happened between 3pm and 6pm on Friday (16/7) in Albert Road. Entry was gained through the front door of the property, and a wallet was stolen from the hallway.

Investigating officer, PC James Packman, of Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this incident of residential burglary which happened in Albert Road in Caversham.

“I would ask that anyone who was in the area at this time and thinks they may have seen something to please make contact with us.

“Anyone with information is asked to report online, or call 101, quoting reference 43210317252. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

For burglary prevention advice, please visit the Thames Valley Police website.

Watch out for a hole on Mapledurham Playing Fields!

This evening, Friday 18 June, I've been alerted by a Chazey Road resident to a hole which has opened up in the pitch nearest Caversham Trents Football Club's (CTFC) storage unit.

I have alerted CTFC in case they were intending to use the pitch tomorrow, as well as alerting Reading Borough Council. 

However because of it being Friday evening, it is unlikely anyone at RBC will be able to take any action until Monday at the earliest.

In the meantime I've asked CTFC if they might have time to cordon off the area first thing tomorrow to alert MPF users to the potential trip hazard.

I didn't want to ring them in the middle of tonight's England match!

Please therefore stay clear of this area for now, until RBC can sort out the problem. Feel free to forward this warning to anyone likely to be user MPF this weekend.

Thank you.

Update from Reading Borough Council (24 June)

“Agripower returned to the Playing Fields earlier in the week to inspect this and have advised that a small seam of gravel underground had washed away which resulted in the hole opening at the surface. 

“They have now reinstated the ground and will monitor for any further movement.”

Emergency road closure Woodcote Way

Emergency Road Closure Woodcote Way , outside no 88

I’ve received the message below from Reading Borough Council this morning: 

 

“The Streetworks Team wish to make you aware Thames Water have informed us of the necessity to close Woodcote Way outside property number 88, with immediate effect.  This is required for an ongoing investigation to establish the source of a leak, initially thought to be within the footway. 

“Unfortunately the leak has worsened causing damage to the carriageway and therefore, for reasons of safety they have informed us of the Emergency Road Closure. Access can be achieved from either end of Woodcote Way, up to the point of closure.

 

“A Thames Water team will continue working throughout the weekend to find and repair the leak and the closure is anticipated to remain in place at least until the end of play on Monday 7^th June 2021.  Should the closure need to remain in place beyond this date, the Streetworks Team will provide an updating email. 

 

“Reading Buses have been informed, in order to implement a temporary diversion for Bus services and the Emergency Services and Taxi Associations will be notified imminently.”

Thank you Mapledurham Ward residents for re-electing me

Thank you very much to Mapledurham Ward residents for re-electing me to serve a further term as the local councillor.

The turnout was 55.15% (the highest in Reading) and more than half of those who voted backed me, for which I am very grateful. 

Thank you also to the huge number of people who have congratulated me since the Count. Receiving this recognition of my work for our community means a great deal to me.

I love helping resolve residents' council-related issues, it doesn't matter how mundane or complicated, do get in touch: Isobel.Ballsdon@reading.gov.uk 

Do send me an email if you'd like to receive my e-Newsletter.

Unlit traffic island concerns on Upper Woodcote Rd

As regular readers of my blogwill know I’ve been keeping a close eye on the construction of The Heights school and the associated works at Mapledurham Playing Fields.

The damaged sign on part of the traffic island

Following concerns about the yet unlit pedestrian traffic island on the A4074, as well as repeated requests for the introduction of a 20 mph limit, I’ve just received the following response from RBC’s Highways:

“I confirm that I’ve been in contact with the contractors today and have agreed that the barriers previously erected on the island be removed so as to not obstruct visibility of the reflective keep left bollard. The developer will also be arranging for additional signage to be placed in advance of the island to warn of the new road layout ahead.

“The pedestrian refuge island is to have an additional illuminated keep left sign erected facing each direction it given delays to the electricity connection, this has not been possible as yet.

“I will be pushing the developer to get this installed as a matter of urgency to reduce the risk of collisions. The crossing will also remain closed until this time.

“In relation to the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on the Upper Woodcote Road, it would not be possible to include this retrospectively as a requirement of the planning permission for the school.or Highways work agreement, but this could be proposed to the Traffic Management Sub-Committee as a potential scheme in the vicinity and then possibilities investigated by officers.”

I’m a bit busy today as it’s the Elections so I won’t post more. It’s given me the chance though to rest my feet whilst writing on my mobile!