A PETITION protesting against plans for a new park and ride scheme has been launched ahead of a new consultation event.
Wokingham Borough Council has announced plans to build the park and ride at Thames Valley Park in Earley and right next to Reading’s Newtown area. The £3.6m project aims to complement the new park and rides that have already opened in Winnersh Triangle and Mereoak.
The Council says that the project would help ease congestion at Cemetery Junction in Reading, making it easier for people to get on and off the A329M.
To access the site, drivers would stay on the A329M rather than turning off to go into Reading.
However, the scheme is going to be built on green space and there are fears that the project will end up reviving the Cross Town Route, creating a link road from Thames Valley Park to Reading’s town centre, going past the Tesco Reading East store and Kings Meadows.
To help gauge reaction to the plans, Wokingham Borough Council has organised a month-long consultation process, with the first meeting taking place this Wednesday at the Wokingham Waterside Centre, Thames Valley Park Drive, Berkshire, RG6 1PQ, from 3pm to 6pm.
The second meeting will be held on Thursday November 12, from noon to 3pm.
“We’re right at the start of the process here, looking into the proposals in more detail, so we hope to and encourage people take part,” said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways.
“People’s input will be analysed and a then report outlining the main findings published. This will help shape the final decision, so you’re input is very important.
“If plans get the green light the site could be ready 2017 making this our third in the borough recently; Winnersh Triangle several weeks ago and Mereoak a few months before. Both are doing well.
“They underline how seriously we’re taking the problem of managing traffic issues on the borough’s roads while also giving people better travel options.”
Wokingham Borough Council stress that the plan is not part of the East Reading Mass Rapid Transit Route. That is a different project which will go out public consultation if given the go-ahead. However, there are fears from local residents that the project could be a Trojan horse and see a third bridge built over the River Thames at Kennetside.
Picture supplied by Reading Green Party.
The area, which is a borderline between Reading and Wokingham boroughs, is where the Kennet and Avon canal meets the River Thames and is home to two historic bridges: one built by Brunel when constructing his railway and the other a horseshoe bridge for pedestrians.
It is also a wildlife haven, with swans and ducks nesting regularly.
Campaigners, which include Rob White, the Green Party’s candidate for Reading East in the last General Election and a councillor for the ward that backs on to Thames Valley Park, have launched a petition against the plans.
Mr White said: “The beautiful Thamesside area is much loved by the local community who walk and play their often. Many people have concerns about the impact of putting a large car park, a link road into Reading town centre and a bridge over Kennet Mouth on it. There is already a petition against this project.
“This scheme was known as the Cross Town Route previously, Reading and Wokingham councils don’t want people to think of the park-and-ride, link road and bridge as one scheme. However, if the park-and-ride gets the go-ahead they will then put in for planning permission for the link road and bridge over the Kennet Mouth.”
He argues that Wokingham Borough Council should be looking to increase capacity at the newly opened Winnersh park and ride site.
He said: “Why not put another level on top of the new Winnersh one, which has been designed to allow this. It is on the same route into Reading and would mean we didn’t have to tarmac over yet more green space? I urge people to consider the impact of the car park, link road and bridge when responding to this consultation, and say no. Please also consider signing the petition against this scheme.”
If people cannot attend the exhibition they can visit the Park & Ride website to find out more, and to complete an online form to give their feedback.
To sign the petition click here
