My Wokingham Newspaper March 2024

Page 5

www.mywokingham.co.uk

march 2024

MyWokingham

LOCAL POLITICS

5

Finchampstead roadworks have huge impact on business

BY JACKY HAYLER

W

ork to improve California Cross in Finchampstead started last month with the aim of bringing a sense of community to the centre of the village. The improvements, which were funded by developers and chosen following public consultation, prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorists, as well as improve the look of the area. But businesses in the area say the roadworks are forcing people to avoid the area and is causing havoc with their takings. One business particularly affected is Creswells Garage right on the junction. Director Trevor Cresswell said access to their forecourt has been impossible and petrol sales were down around 70 per cent. “Apparently there is nothing we can do about it. We are open and local people know that we are – it’s just difficult to get to us. We are lucky that we have a loyal customer base but people are just avoiding the whole area. Even rush hour queues are not very long because people are not coming this way.” He added that the business, which celebrated its centenary last year will undoubtedly survive but the roadworks will have a big impact on trade. At the end of February, the team are planning to compare figures for the same period last year and submit them to the council. “One road will be closed for three months then the other will be closed. Because we are on the corner, we are the business that is impacted the most.” And he added that he hadn’t heard from anyone who supported the road

improvements. “It was a bit scruffy before but it worked,” added Mr Creswell. My Wokingham recently reported that road workers at the junctions have faced both verbal and physical assaults. Workers received threats of

being stabbed and punched, while another was deliberately struck by a car. A motorist also threatened to stab a worker before speeding off while the crew were setting up traffic controls to close Nine Mile Ride. Later, a motorist

threatened to punch another worker. The workers are equipped with body cameras to capture any incidents and supply them to the police for prosecution. But speaking about the workmen themselves, Mr Cresswell said no one deserves to receive the kind of abuse they have been dealing with in recent weeks. “They are only trying to do their jobs,” he said.

Services & Repairs to all makes of vehicles

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Support us by continuing to use our services. Check our Facebook for regular updates as each phase changes access. 0118 973 2201

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Articles inside

Another Royal blow by Ollie Cater

1min
page 39

Ladies on top of the league by Chris Cook

2min
page 39

Reading falls short against Wycombe Wanderers

4min
page 38

Hitting a plateau in endurance sport

2min
page 37

Ultimate Activity Puzzle Book

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Café could close as building goes under offer

1min
page 34

Healing from past hurt and getting ready to date again without a dating app

2min
page 34

Making a positive impact in the community and for the environment

1min
page 32

Centenarian marks milestone birthday

1min
page 32

Murphy’s Law

2min
page 31

Baking: Peter Sidwell’s prune and orange hot cross buns

1min
page 30

The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express

3min
page 28

Antigua – the perfect winter escape

1min
page 28

GREENFINGERS… the Alan Titchmarsh Column

2min
page 27

Treat for mums and kids at pamper party launch

1min
page 26

From ugly duckling to beautiful Swan, pub set to return to former glory

1min
page 26

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

4min
page 25

Cllr Mary Temperton

1min
page 25

Stephen Conway

4min
page 24

Tree planting to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III

3min
pages 23-24

MySandhurst R

3min
page 22

It’s all aboard the Lexicon Express this Easter

1min
page 21

First Indie Indoor Market comes to Bracknell

2min
page 21

MyBracknellTown

1min
page 20

Close call for Wokingham Half Marathon but it went without a hitch

2min
pages 18-19

SUNDAY 31ST MARCH

1min
page 17

Mods and Rockers united for a night of music and fundraising

1min
pages 16-17

Klinic takes a ‘paws’ to celebrate first anniversary

1min
page 16

Winnersh home to unite with Bollywood studios

1min
page 15

Hunters – putting the community at the heart of their business

1min
page 15

Inspiring duo use ‘superpower’ to form racing team

1min
page 14

Meet the author at Wokingham Library

1min
page 14

Helping residents to vote by post at upcoming elections

8min
pages 11-13

Dancing queen Irene celebrates 105th birthday

4min
page 10

New Twyford library on course to open this spring

2min
page 9

Antique market showcases vintage finds

2min
pages 8-9

Redan’s refurb from retro to refit

1min
page 8

Demolition set to take a piece of Woodley’s history

2min
page 7

Skittles evening strikes the right note for WADE fundraiser

2min
page 6

Finchampstead roadworks have huge impact on business

3min
pages 5-6

Residents pack Market Place to celebrate Chinese New Year

1min
pages 3-4

Bright outlook for borough as global weather centre stays local

2min
page 2

Council Tax increase of 4.99 per cent agreed

1min
page 2
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