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
We Are Still Open!
Support us by continuing to use our services. Check our Facebook for regular updates as each phase changes access. 0118 973 2201
www.facebook.com/cresswellsgarage.
