WORK to repair a much-used towpath in east Reading has been delayed after a contractor went bust.
But Reading Borough Council is promising a festive miracle and will reopen the towpath in time for the holidays regardless of whether the work is completed or not.
In September, Reading Borough Council announced a £720,000 project to strengthen and stabilise the Kennetside retaining wall structures.
It meant 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 will see 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 will be replaced around The Jolly Anglers pub with a taller equivalent installed to match the style of the guardrail between Kings Bridge and Blakes Lock.
The footpath is used by Newtown residents to get to Thames Valley Park and Kings Meadow. Long diversions are in place as a result. The closures have been made worse by works on the A3290 sliproad at Suttons Seeds roundabout, with all traffic including pedestrians, prohibited from using the roads and footpaths while the works are in place.
The towpath was due to reopen on December 22, just in time for Christmas, but this is now in doubt.
While Volker Laser, which is undertaking the repairs, is unaffected, the firm producing the new railings has gone under.
The news has not been welcomed by Newtown residents and Park Ward councillors.
A post on social media was typical of the reaction, with the resident saying they wanted to let council officers know “in no uncertain terms” how badly they felt the council had managed the works, saying they would be blocked in for a month with no access for emergency vehicles should there be an incident in one of the cottages where the works are taking place.
Cllr Sarah Magon (Green Party, Park Ward) told Reading Today: “Unfortunately the council says that the company they engaged to produce the railings has gone bust.
“This has delayed the safety and improvement works on the Kennetside, and the workmen are saying the delay will be into the New Year.
“We are frustrated that the Labour-run council hasn’t found a way to maintain limited access along the Kennet Side through to Kennet Mouth and minimise disruption for residents and businesses.
“It is even worse to now hear that things may be delayed through to the New Year.”
Reading Borough Council confirmed they were committed to reopening the towpath as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately, the manufacturer due to provide the new safety railings along the towpath by Newtown has abruptly ceased trading,” a spokesperson said.
“While this was completely outside of the Council’s control, a suitable alternative has already been sourced but this process inevitably caused some delay to the timetable.
“The Council is still hopeful that the necessary railings can be put in place quickly to allow completion on schedule and before Christmas. If this is not achievable, temporary barriers will be erected to allow the towpath to be open for the Christmas period for the convenience of residents when we know it is a popular route.
“The new railings would subsequently be installed under a short additional closure in the new year.”
