On election day in Wokingham Borough, voters shared their views on local issues as they headed to the polls, including strong opposition to building a new station car park on allotment land in Twyford.
In Norrey’s ward, central Wokingham, Austin Fung, 43, said the borough was generally well run, praising its facilities and overall quality of life.
He said: “We have very good facilities, a very good leisure centre and a strong High Street.
“But in the past few years, shops have been declining, and one reason is parking charges.
“I think that’s a threat to the identity of the High Street and the character of the town. That said, compared with other places in the UK, Wokingham is still a nice place to live.”
Marcus Bennett, also 43 in Norrey’s, echoed that broadly positive view, saying the town is “well maintained and looked after”.
He said: “There’s always room for improvement, but nothing major.
“Parking can be an issue occasionally, but with so many new homes and more people, that’s inevitable.
“It’s not very different from other towns, so it’s not a major concern.”
At another polling station at Loddon Hall in Twyford, Ryan and Fiona Tate, both 46, said residents were facing wider pressures.
Fiona said: “It’s a tough time for everyone. People are doing their best with the resources they have.”
However, they said they had avoided the worst of the parking problems linked to Twyford station.
Ryan said: “We live at the end of the road, so we can walk to the station.”
For 76-year-old voter Diana Loyd, environmental concerns were front of mind, particularly the future of allotments near the station.
“Concreting over our land isn’t going to help anyone,” she said. “I’m generally pleased with the council — they are active and concerned about local issues.”
Her main concern centred on proposals to create additional parking for Elizabeth Line passengers, which some fear could involve sacrificing or relocating allotment plots.
At present, the parking pressures around Twyford station have led to proposals for around 20 extra spaces, aimed at reducing commuter parking along Hurst Road and nearby residential streets.
But for Ms Loyd, the allotments are non-negotiable.
“The allotments are sacred,” she said. “Members of Twyford Allotment Association would lie down in front of the bulldozers.”
