A MYSTERY caused by the sudden appearance of diversion signs on a busy pedestrian route has been solved by ward councillor.
Rob White is leader of the opposition on Reading Borough Council and also one of three Green councillors for Park ward, part of which is Newtown.
He has been contacted by residents confused by signs that appeared on the Kennetside towpath leading to Thames Valley Park. These warned of the closure of the footpath all the way through to Christmas.
The works are due to start on Monday, September 18, and continue to Friday, December 22.
The route is used by Newtown residents looking to get to the popular park, Wokingham Waterside Centre and, if they cross the horseshoe bridge, a footpath leading to the Tesco supermarket, King’s Meadow and on to the Thames Path towards Caversham.
The closure is for remedial works which will strengthen the footpaths and see new railings put in place between the Kenavon Footbridge and the River Kennet where it meets the Thames, ahead of any winter storms – the area often floods.
A second project will see investigative work for wall strenegthing in the stetch of pavement between Patriot Place and Queens Wharf.
There will be lengthy diversions as pedestrians will either have to go along London Road to get into Newtown, or head towards Reading town centre to get back on course.
It’s not the first time that there were several weeks of closures.
In February 2021, the footpath was shut to allow SGN to carry out gas works, leading to long diversions for people wanting to cross the River Thames or Kennet and Avon Canal.
Now it’s happening again, but this time the closure is for 12 weeks rather than four.
Cllr White was critical of the council for not alerting people in advance.
“It is disappointing that the Kennet Side is going to be closed again. It wasn’t so long ago that it was closed so the new gas equipment could be put in,” he said.
“It is also a shame that Reading Council didn’t inform or consult local councillors.
“We support the safety aspect of the works and look forward to the new railings but we have gone back to the council and urged them to do everything they can to maintain access for pedestrians at the very least, as otherwise this closure which is going on for three months will be very disruptive for residents.”
Reading Borough Council said the £720,000 project was essential.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “These ongoing works to strengthen and stabilise our historic Kennetside are essential in order to extend the life of the supporting wall which, understandably, has deteriorated over many decades.
“The works will allow generations to continue using this extremely popular and practical walking and cycle route, which is also a key feature of our town.
“This strengthening programme began back in 2011 and has already seen over 250m of the Kennetside wall strengthened.
“We appreciate the challenges that work diversions cause in people’s routines and that this latest phase of works will be an inconvenience to users. However we do trust that they understand why this work is necessary and ask residents to bear with us while we carry out this essential work.”
Another phase on the ongoing project will take place in the summer.
The works reference number is JN01037179117.
