Making our roads safer
In last week’s Wokingham.Today, Conservative party candidate Guy Grandison questions the motivation behind the Woodley to Reading walking and cycling improvements.
I could explain the benefits at length but, better still, I will quote his colleague Councillor Pauline Jorgensen from March 2022. Whilst explaining that the project would continue once feedback had been addressed, Councillor Jorgensen said: “There are always trade-offs when you are trying to retrofit existing roads… We need to find ways to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel around our communities – not only is it better for our health, but it reduces congestion and is better for the environment. People aren’t going to get out of their cars until we give them a safe space to walk and cycle. That is what we are trying to do.”
In another letter on the same topic, Conservative councillor Jackie Rance seeks to score a political point by quoting a council Facebook post and claiming this to be my words.
I asked her why she did this and she told me that she “cannot recall” her reasons.
In the last five years, six pedestrians and cyclists have died on Wokingham’s roads and more than two hundred have been injured. Making our roads safer to walk and cycle is a serious issue, not something to be casually exploited for political gain.
We see the failure of the Conservatives’ transport strategy every day, in the fragility of our network and the unacceptable congestion we all experience. This Liberal Democrat administration is committed to making it safer and easier to travel however you chose to do so, for many good reasons not least because the public have told us that they want this.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge
Let’s talk calmly and openly about mosque plans
Dear editor,
Like many people in town, I’ve seen the discussion around the idea of a mosque or Islamic community centre in Wokingham being shared online and in local groups. And I think it’s worth reminding everyone that, at this stage, no formal plans have been submitted or approved, nothing is even close to being set in stone.
Articles in Wokingham Today have mentioned a petition and council discussions about supporting the principle of a mosque, but there isn’t a planning application with firm details yet. Sadly, some comments being left on community groups regarding the idea have been unacceptable and based in considerable untruths.
While not everyone will feel the same way, I think we can all benefit from taking a calm, open-minded approach to this conversation. Our Muslim neighbours form part of Wokingham’s population, and many travel outside the borough to access facilities for prayer and community activities.
We shouldn’t be guided by fear or division. Let’s keep talking respectfully, factually and with a positive outlook about how our town can continue to grow together. I’d advise many to think strongly about the way they comment on social media posts regarding issues such as this. Some of the comments range from bigoted nonsense to just outright racism. Residents of Wokingham, you’re better than this.
Anonymous
Rubbish on the roads
Dear editor,
I think we all feel a little disappointed with the state of our country side. I’ve never seen so much rubbish on the side of the roads.
Wokingham council have left it there for weeks if not months. It’s from showcase all the way up to shinfield. I understand rain, the cutting of hedges would bring it all out, but it’s been ages and nothing has been done to clear it up. It’s an absolute eye sore, I actually feel like doing it myself… is there anything you could do to push them along? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Paul Spivey
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