Wokingham Borough Connect
 End of the line for ticket offices? Share your views.
We’re urging rail users to give their views on plans to shut station ticket offices in Wokingham Borough and beyond.
The Rail Delivery Group, which represents Britain’s train operating companies, is consulting on the proposals until the extended deadline of Friday, 1 September.
It says fewer people are using ticket desks because of smartphone apps or contactless cards, so they could be phased out in favour of retraining "multi-skilled" staff to help customers in other ways.
It says this is a more efficient way of working, but we’re aware of possible drawbacks like the lack of some services at ticket machines, plus a likely impact on those at greater risk of exclusion like people with disabilities, mobility issues or on low incomes.
We’ll be sending a formal response before the end of the month, but until then we urge you to find out more about GWR and South Western Railway’s proposals and then give your views.
 Rockin' road and rail updates for Reading
Travelling in and around Reading this weekend could be busy as Reading Festival goers travel to and from the festival, with Friday 25 August and Monday 28 August expected to be busiest.
Need to know:
- Due to industrial action, there will be a severely reduced rail service on Saturday 26 August.
- Reading station will close at 7pm on Saturday 26 and re-open at 7am on Sunday 27 August.
- For those dropping off/picking up from the festival, please use the dedicated area at Hills Meadow Car Park (RG4 8DH0.
- Those arriving by rail or drop off can either walk to the festival site or use the special festival shuttle bus. Taxis will also be available.
- There will be a number of road closures around the area so check before you travel.
You can find out more from Reading Borough Council, who have provided detailed travel and general information about the festival.
 Well-earned retirement for cycle training champion
We’re sad to be saying goodbye to Jill, who is retiring after 15 years of helping thousands of residents discover the joys of riding.
She has expertly managed our Bikeability schools training programme, obtaining funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) and ensuring it’s spent effectively. After introducing Bikeability in 2010/11, all our primary schools are now offered it.
Thanks to Jill’s hard work, we were invited to pilot the Bikeability Plus scheme in 2016 and present our findings at a national training conference. In 2020, we were named local authority of the year for young people’s Bikeability training.
Jill also teaches on our Learn to Ride sessions, runs a weekly balance bike club for 2-4 year olds and leads rides for over-55s and inclusive cycling sessions.
Inspiring everyone to get in the saddle
Jill gives bike safety assemblies in schools, runs activities at events including family rides, supports cycling in areas of deprivation, and works with groups like Beavers, Cubs and Brownies to instil a love of cycling in children.
British Cycling has also praised her fantastic efforts over the past eight years as a Champion for its Breeze women’s riding scheme, for which she has set up and led over 150 Breeze rides.
She has played an crucial role in inspiring many other Breeze Champions to discover new routes and get more women on bikes, whether new or returning to cycling, and see them grow in confidence and ability.
Jill has been a truly valued member of our team and will be greatly missed for her knowledge, skills and lovely personality. We’re sure you’ll join us in wishing Jill a very long, healthy and happy retirement.
 Resurfacing update
Resurfacing will continue in the borough, with Silverdale Road starting at 8pm tonight (24 August).
The team will then move to Barrett Crescent starting 29 August, followed by Winchcombe Road starting 31 August.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit Looking after our roads.
 Cracking down on car meets
We know that car meets can cause nuisance, worry and have an affect on people's lives and wellbeing.
Last year we put in to place a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) meaning that people can face a fine of up to £1000 or a fixed penalty notice of £100 if they commit the following offences in council owned car parks:
- Causing danger or risk of injury to road users (including pedestrians)
- Causing damage or risk of damage to property
- Aggressive acceleration or braking or racing
- Carrying out manoeuvres such as (but not limited to) skidding, handbrake turns, drifting
- Creating noise through excessive engine revving, sounding horns or
playing music
- Using foul or abusive language
- Using threatening or intimidating behaviour
- Causing obstruction (whether moving or stationary).
- Promoting, organising or publicising (including but not limited to via email, the
internet, social media, or via any publication or broadcast medium) any event
where the prohibited activities take place
- Attending an event as defined iabove either as a vehicle owner or spectator where the prohibited activities take place
We use CCTV cameras and patrol areas where offences regularly happen and have issued fines to those committing them.
If you would like to report anti-social behaviour please contact asb@wokingham.gov.uk. We are unable to deal with anti-social driving on public roads, please contact the police in these instances.
 Upcoming roadworks
Barkham
2-way lights – Barkham Street
These lights will be in place at the junction of Church Lane from 29 August to 4 September, 8am to 5pm to allow TWU to carry out excavation in the carriageway.
https://one.network/?GB134889315
Hurst
Road Closure – Sandford Lane
This closure will be in place on the entire length of the road from 28 August to 1 September, 9.30am to 4pm to carry out bridge maintenance.
https://one.network/?GB135248585
Multi-way lights – Wards Cross
These lights will be in place at the junction of Hinton Road and Whistley Green from 29 August to 4 September, to allow Gigaclear to clear blockages.
https://one.network/?GB135242011
Multi-way lights – Hinton Road
These lights will be in place at the junction of Wards Cross from 29 to 31 August, to allow SGN to carry out remedial works.
https://one.network/?GB135296979
Sindlesham
Road Closure – Mole Road
This closure will be in place between Copse Barn Hill and Ellis Hill on 31 August, 9.30am to 4pm to allow installation of cats eyes in the carriageway.
https://one.network/?GB135229703
Wokingham
Road Closure – London Road
This closure will be in place between Plough Lane and Binfield Road from 22 to 24 August, 8pm to 6am to allow road resurfacing to be carried out.
https://one.network/?GB135188873
Road Closure – Barrett Crescent
This closure will be in place on the entire length of road from 29 August to 1 September, 8am to 6pm to allow structural maintenance and resurfacing works to be carried out.
https://one.network/?GB135266987
2-way lights – Nine Mile Ride
These lights will be in place between Heathlands Road and Lower Wokingham Road from 31 August to 6 September, 8am to 5pm to allow ESP Electricity Ltd to lay new mains.
https://one.network/?GB134957160
Multi-way lights – Barkham Road
These lights will be in place at the junction of Tanhouse Lane from 28 August to 4 September, to allow SGN to carry out disconnections in the carriageway.
https://one.network/?GB135106728
Multi-way lights – Reading Road
These lights will be in place near Old Woosehill Lane junction overnight from 3 to 4 September, 10pm to 5.30am to allow TWU to carry out sewer cleaning.
https://one.network/?GB135116696
Multi-way lights – Finchampstead Road
These lights will be in place between Russley Green and Sandhurst Road from 31 August to 1 September, 9.30am to 4pm to allow hand application of screed to newly resurfaced road.
https://one.network/?GB135339191
Woodley
Multi-way lights – Howth Drive
These lights will be in place between Harding Road and Chequers Way from 30 August to 22 September, 8am to 6pm to allow CityFibre to carry out installation works.
https://one.network/?GB134958087
2-way lights – Tippings Lane
These lights will be in place opposite Oakdale Walk on 29 August, 9.30am to 3.30pm to allow BT to carry out cabling installation for new connection.
https://one.network/?GB135267355
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow our Twitter and Facebook pages
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit One.network
- For active and sustainable travel, including events, training and resources, visit MyJourney Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- For information on re-surfacing and reactive carriageway repairs visit our pothole and road repairs page
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You can report any issues with roads and streets online, including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals.
- On our parking and permits page, you can find information including car parks and costs around the borough, resident parking permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine.
- Our transport and travel page includes information on applying for a senior citizen or disabled person's bus and train pass and local public transport information.
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge.
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