Work to create cycle lanes in Woodley has been slammed as ‘a waste of money’ and ‘disastrous’ by neighbours.
Construction is taking place on a dedicated cycle route in Woodlands Avenue, one of the main roads into and out of the town.
The project is being undertaken by Wokingham Borough Council after it received £3.5 million from the Department for Transport to boost active travel.
Once complete, it will provide cyclists with a two-way cycle lane running between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park in East Reading, with the majority of the route being segregated.
But neighbours are up in arms over the appearance of the construction while it takes place.
Photos from the construction site show damage to a kerb, a temporary pedestrian crossing apparently not providing enough space for wheelchair users to pass, an existing crossing for the Woodley precinct being blocked off, and two cyclists choosing to use the road rather than the provided cycle path.
Matthew Alexander, posting on the Woodley Chants & Rants Facebook group, said: “New kerbs are already damaged from cars hitting it, a temporary crossing is blocking the pavement so wheelchairs can’t get by, people driving over the mud and soil… At least this will keep the local tyre fitters in business!”
“Absolute disaster.
“I look forward to seeing the local MP or councillors hold a surgery on Woodlands Avenue, can anyone confirm when this will be, please?
“I hope it is fixed soon and in time for the schools going back, it seems the council are waiting for an accident to happen before they do anything.”
Ann Emmett said: “What a waste of money, fix the existing roads!”
Replying to that, Jason HR said: “Central government paid for it, but we pay the price in Wokingham Borough Council screwing the roads up.”
Linda Bishop said: “Central government might have paid for it, but it still comes out of our tax payments! So it’s not free.”
The council has a dedicated webpage that provides information about the project, confirming it has been funded through the government and justifying its implementation.
The page states: “This is one of the key routes which were identified in our borough-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
“Providing this first link in the network will show the funding bodies that we’re serious about providing high-quality infrastructure.
“The link will create safe, inclusive and direct access to Woodley town centre while connecting it to several schools and leisure facilities.”
While stretches of the route are available for use, the work is not complete yet, with the final section of Woodlands Avenue due to be ready by August 31.
