Safety concerns have led to the closure of a number of footpaths south of Wokingham.
At last month’s council meeting, Cllr Chris Cooke noted how during the building of the new southern distributor road, contractor Balfour Beatty has completely closed pedestrian access between Wescott East and the Gorrick Plantation via all footpaths connecting to the Gipsy Lane footbridge.
He said: “Concerned residents have been in touch, not just from the immediate vicinity but from further afield, all of whom use these footpaths on a regular basis.
“Many of the residents feel it is essential to maintain access to nature and green spaces for their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our council priorities include active travel, but closure of these footpaths is counter to that priority.
“What can we do as a council to facilitate this request, and seek to reopen and maintain access to at least one footpath for pedestrians through the development area for as much of the construction period as possible?”
In reply, Cllr Stephen Conway, the executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan,said: “I quite understand the concern that you are expressing and the need to try and ensure that the footpaths remain open if at all possible.
“There are a number of walking routes which run through the site of the Strategic Development location, and these are naturally instantly impacted by construction of the new road and bridge.
“But we do have to consider safety here. For the safety of the public, these walking routes have been closed for the periods of construction, and they will be reopened once activities have been deemed safe enough to do so.
“I think that must be our guiding principle, safety. There are very large construction vehicles maneuvering between each end of the South Wokingham Distributor Road site as access for materials and equipment is predominantly from the eastern end because access is not permitted directly from Finchampstead Road.
“Now, we appreciate the impact this may have on some walkers of these closed routes.
“I would dearly like to find a solution but we must make the safety of our residents and contractors the most important consideration.
