Finchampstead roadworks have huge impact on business

BY JACKY HAYLER

Work 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.

TRHA spring show

Get a taste of spring at Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association (TRHA)’s first show of the year. Marvel at the exhibits, take a turn at judging and enjoy the refreshments on Saturday 23rd March from 2pm at Loddon Hall. Entry to the competition will be open to everyone this year. Plus, the number of classes has been increased.

Interested parties can view the classes on the TRHA website, So, gardeners, craft exhibitors and bakers, it’s time to start thinking about and preparing your entries. Admission is £1. TRHA welcomes anyone to become a member at their store in Loddon Hall Road on Sunday mornings. Alternatively, email trhamembership@ gmail.com

Problems with geese

Maiden Erlegh Residents Association are currently working on the problem of goose droppings resulting from the annual foraging season, which lasts from April to August each year and is becoming worse as numbers of goslings increase. Last year, the geese were touring a larger area which included Kennedy Gardens and Lancaster Gardens in Earley. A spokesman said: “We are liaising with the town council and our local councillors to see what can be done to alleviate the problem.”

Potato planting

Children’s annual potato planting activity will take place on Sunday 17th March from 9.30am to 11am. If you are a member of the Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association, all children and grandchildren of members can join in. Pop along to the TRHA store where you will be able to plant your potatoes in a bag to take home and look after. Seed potatoes, bags, compost and instructions will be provided free to all members.

Tech support

Visit Bracknell Library for monthly tech support drop-in sessions for older and disabled people in collaboration with AbilityNet. They can help with technology and digital know-how using mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, fitness trackers, headphones and more. No need to book. Come along on the second Friday of each month:

• Friday 12th April 10am to 11.30am

• Friday 10th May 10am to 11:30am

• Friday 14th June 10am to 11:30am

• Friday 12th July 10am to 11:30am