Wokingham Borough Connect
 What's coming up
Drainage works are continuing along Finchampstead Road towards the Ratepayers Hall.
We will also be carrying out a drainage survey of the existing drainage network including pipes, gullies and man holes. This is to ensure there are no blockages or breakages prior to linking this up with the new drainage network.
New gullies that are being dug out will then be connected to the existing drainage network. We will also be drilling through the existing manholes to link them through to the new drainage pipes.
 What's been happening so far
Drainage works continued along Finchampstead Road this week outside Londis and Bob's Fish and Chip Shop.
As highlighted in our update earlier in the week, the current access to the car park for Londis Red Oak Store and Bob's Fish and Chip Shop on Finchampstead Road has been changed. The car park remains accessible via Nine Mile Ride.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout and signage in relation to this car park will be switched to accommodate the new access arrangements. Access to Cresswells Garage remains the same.
Local business owners have been made aware and we ask you to continue to support your local businesses throughout this project.
 Utility works in the area
City Fibre - Nine Mile Ride
CityFibre will be working on Nine Mile Ride between the junctions of California Country Park and Longmoor Close from 2-9 April. To reduce disruption, these works are taking place during the school holidays.
It is advantageous for CityFibre to work whilst Nine Mile Ride is closed as this will save them coming back after the completion of the crossroads improvements where they would require temporary traffic lights.
When they are working at the junction with Manor Park Drive and California Country Park, they will be using stop/go boards between 930am – 4pm. They will be undertaking a letter drop to affected residents and stakeholders.
SGN - Finchampstead Road
The urgent SGN works on Finchampstead Road, Wokingham near Hart Dyke Close are expected to finish next week.
South East Water (SEW) - Heathlands Road
There are SEW works on Heathlands Road from 5-9 April. 2-way lights will be in place outside Holly Cottage Day Nursery.
 Support your local businesses
This week we're shining a spotlight on The Barbers and Hairdressers
If you are looking for a new look over the Easter holidays, why not pop down for a trim, cut or restyle. They have high praise from customers for their welcoming and professional services.
 Did you know...
..if we worked weekends or had two teams working round the clock, we wouldn't be able to work as efficiently.
Our work is dependent on materials being delivered to site and this does not happen over weekends or on bank holidays, which is why our team will not be on site over Easter weekend. With the drainage works we are currently working on for example, we need materials like concrete to be delivered on the day as it is perishable due to the limited time it can be left before it starts to set.
Our team currently work 7am to 5pm Monday-Friday and the project is scheduled so that if things like tarmac or concrete need time to dry, this happens overnight or even over the weekend if it needs to be left for a longer period of time.
It would not be practical for a second team to be employed to work overnight or weekends. It would cost more than our budget would allow and it wouldn't have much impact on reducing the length of the project. These works can also be very noisy at times and we have to consider those living in close proximity.
 Helping you vote on polling day
Local elections and a Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Thames Valley will be held on Thursday 2 May and for some in the Finchampstead area, California Ratepayers Hall is their polling station.
We know that the current works on California Cross may impact how people get to the polling station to cast their vote and want to help you be prepared.
If you want to have your say on the elections in May, you must be registered to vote. If you aren’t registered to vote it affects your eligibility for other deadlines, such as applying for a postal vote.
The deadline to register to vote at this year’s local elections is midnight on Tuesday 16 April. Find out more and register to vote online.
In advance of polling day
You can cast your vote without having to visit the polling station either by postal or proxy vote. You can register online or request a paper copy by email.
Postal vote
The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the May elections is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April.
If you decide to vote by post, you will receive a pack that includes your ballot paper and instructions with how to return it. This must be completed and returned in time for your vote to count. If you decide to hand in your voting pack in person, either at Shute End in Wokingham or at your polling station, you must then complete an additional form.
Proxy vote
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for the May elections is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.
A proxy vote means that you nominate someone to vote on your behalf. If you have applied for a proxy vote, we will send your proxy a poll card about one week before polling day.
This will confirm they have been appointed to act as your proxy and allow them to go to the polling station you would have gone to and cast your vote on your behalf.
On polling day
On polling day, the current road closures and traffic management will remain in place, which most will be aware of.
We will be putting in additional measures on the day, such as extra signs, to help people navigate to the polling station.
Nearer the time, we will send more detailed instructions on how to get to the Ratepayers Hall.
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