IT WAS meant to be all over by Christmas, but works to revamp a vital link between Thames Valley Park and Newtown is set to continue with another 10-week closure this spring.
In September, Reading Borough Council announced a £720,000 project to strengthen and stabilise the Kennetside retaining wall structures.
It was meant to be a three-month towpath closure between the Kenavon Footbridge, near Cholmeley Road, running along the Kennetside to the Horseshoe Footbridge, where the Kennet meets the Thames.
The work sees timber elements of the walls removed and the filling of voids created as a result of the wood rotting away.
A second part of the project will see the existing guardrail replaced around The Jolly Anglers pub with a taller equivalent installed to match the style of the guardrail between Kings Bridge and Blakes Lock.
It was due to be completed by Friday, December 22. However, works have been delayed partly due to a retaining wall collapsing and partly due to a contractor going bust. While Volker Laser, which is undertaking the repairs, is unaffected, the firm producing the new railings has gone under.
The area has also been flooded due to heavy rainfall.
The council said the work has nearly been completed, but another closure will be needed.
A spokesperson told Reading Today: “All of the planned work due to take place during this phase of Kennetside retaining wall strengthening was completed, except for a stretch of new fencing we were unable to install due to a section of wall which was discovered to have collapsed.
“This occurred by the gas works on the south side of the River Kennet.
“Due to the nature of the issue and the different repair techniques required, additional approval is needed for the extra work which we expect to begin in spring for up to 10 weeks, at which point we will also install the outstanding fencing.
“As with the previous work, a full closure will be required and a diversion route put in place.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the incident highlights the condition of this 100 year old retaining wall and why we must carry out this essential strengthening work to protect nearby properties, residents and the cycle route.
This delay has frustrated residents.
Park ward Green Party councillor Sarah Magon said: “It is disappointing that the Kennet Side is going to be closed again so soon after the previous closure.
“We know what an inconvenience this is for residents especially as we head into spring.
“Green councillors will keep lobbying for full closures to be for as short a time as possible.”
The footpath is used by Newtown residents to get to Thames Valley Park and Kings Meadow. Long diversions are in place when the closures are in force.
