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Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Roadwork delays: CityFibre called to meeting
No. 28 90p
50 YEARS OF TARRANT ON TV P6
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today TELECOMMS provider CityFibre has been summoned to face questioning by Reading Borough Council over its performance.
Numerous complaints have been lodged about the company’s roadworks causing considerable delays and an alleged failure to properly communicate with residents. After weeks of disruption were caused by works on the Oxford Road in October last year, Reading Borough Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Tony Page, said at a council meeting that residents had made their dissatisfaction with the delays known. He also warned that a removal of the contractor could be necessary. Cllr Page said: “The latest round of chaos brought about by the Instalcom works leaves the Council with no option but to summon Greg Mesch, the chief executive of CityFibre, to attend the next meeting of its SEPT Committee and answer questions about their performance.” Cllr Page, lead councillor on the strategic environment, planning, and transport committee, met with Instalcom in March seeking assurances that works in Caversham would cause minimum disruption. However, a number of complaints had been made from residents suggesting that further disruptions and delays had been caused. “It follows a previous warning that it is something we would consider if their day-to-day operation did not improve,” Cllr Page explained. “Despite promises from City Fibre of additional training sessions for Instalcom’s construction teams at the time, and recent assurances from Instalcom itself ahead of these latest works, improvements have not come to fruition.” n Continued on page 2
HOSPITAL TEAM’S DESK DREAM P9
JURASSIC LARK: T-Rex roams the streets of Whitley • p11
PARTY ON! Concerts, Water Fest and a bit of pomp and circumstance will help Reading mark Jubilee By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today FOUR DAYS of celebrations, featuring activities for all ages, will be held across Reading to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
It includes the return of Water Fest, a special tribute concert, and nearly 60 street parties in every corner of the borough. The events launch on Thursday, June 2, with a beacon lighting ceremony in Forbury Gardens. Reading’s beacon will be one of
1,500 lit across the country in recognition of the Queen’s service. To make the event, which starts at 9.15pm, special, there will be performances from Reading Scottish Pipe Band and Reading Male Voice Choir. Entry will be free, but ticketed. These will be available to reserve from Thursday, May 6. For those who want to take part, but unable to get a ticket, the event will be streamed online. There will be two concerts over the Jubilee weekend. n Continued on page 6
RUTH’S JOY OVER NEW BOOK P12
MAY FAYRE BOUNCES BACK P37 ISSN 2754-2785 18
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