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Moving Around the Borough

Above: SGN are upgrading gas pipes, but we've postponed some works to keep you moving (image: SGN)

Further steps to reduce congestion from works

We're still working hard to minimise disruption on our roads despite multiple pressures, as we explained in more detail in our last newsletter.

Since then, we've also postponed SGN's planned road closure for gas main replacement works on Lower Wokingham Road in Crowthorne.

It was starting this week but would have put more pressure on Nine Mile Ride, which has seen a large traffic increase due to an ongoing road closure in Wokingham.

There'll also be some relief at the junction of Waterloo Road and William Heelas Way, as South East Water have removed their temporary traffic lights.

They were going to divert pipes for the new South Wokingham Distributor Road, but protected newts have been found on site so this is postponed.

Meanwhile, SGN has temporary lights on Finchampstead Road in Wokingham, near Tangley Drive, to investigate poor gas pressure. This finishes on 23 September.

It isn't having much impact due to low traffic volumes on that stretch, but we're still urging them to work extended hours so they can finish sooner.

Sewer repairs and other works gradually moving forward

We're still waiting for Thames Water to provide a timeframe for repairs on the collapsed sewer at Evendons Lane in Wokingham.

They're planning to do this after previous attempts to excavate the site and reach the fault failed due to heavy rain.

They've handed the work to a specialist team of engineers who are now compiling a work plan, and have promised to share more news as soon as they can. 

Their repairs on another collapsed sewer at Plough Lane in Wokingham are progressing well and should be over halfway through.

However, this depends on the rest of the sewer being in good condition.

SGN continues to make progress on its gas main replacement with closure and diversion at Mole Road near Sindlesham.

This is part of a major planned upgrade that was agreed before the sewer collapse.

We previously reported on the installation of new zebra crossings at various locations in the borough, and now we've put some pictures on Facebook! We'll keep you posted on any other safety improvements that are planned as soon as further details are available.

Museum parking charges set to go ahead

After asking your views, we're set to introduce parking charges at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, near Woodley, at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Many of you were worried about the impact on museum visitor numbers and income, but we can confirm there'll be free parking for volunteers, staff and RAF cadets.

Visitors will be able to claim a refund with a museum ticket or buy concessionary season tickets, and there'll be free spaces for Blue Badge holders.

In our experience, introducing charges at other locations hasn't affected visitor numbers, and the museum is accessible by walking, cycling or bus.

The proposal brings charges at this car park in line with the five others at Dinton and includes 15 minutes free parking with a "free vend" ticket.

It means parking will be fair and consistent across all our country parks, and will allow us to keep investing in a great experience for visitors.

We'll make the final decision at our next full council meeting (25 September).

We're facing a tough financial future, and have to ensure vital frontline services are properly funded. This means maximising income wherever we can, as well as looking carefully at how we're spending money and ensuring we're making the best use of our limited resources.

First steps towards footway improvements

We'll be starting our next round of local footway repairs across Wokingham Borough from next week.

Our contractors will be applying a protective slurry seal at 19 locations, which you can see on our website if you scroll to the white section at the bottom.

This uses a thin but tough coating of asphalt that's blended with finely crushed stone to allow a good grip when people walk on it.

It's a cost-effective alternative to laying a new surface which safely seals minor cracks and other faults. Footway diversions will be in place while the teams are working.

The first works start on Monday (22 September) and will continue into October, with exact dates for some works still to be confirmed.

Please keep checking the list using the link above for the latest updates.

Slurry sealing is part of our annual road and footway maintenance programme, which includes either surface dressing or fully resurfacing the roads. We've finished this year's surface dressing (watch a video here), with some additional full resurfacing expected in late October.

Keeping kids active after summer holidays end

We're encouraging schools to help everyone stay more active this autumn.

Our new Walktober initiative celebrates International Walk to School Month by rewarding pupils, families and staff for adopting a sustainable school run.

There'll be competitions for everyone who walks, cycles, scoots or takes public transport in October, with prizes for winning schools and individual pupils.

Suggested challenges include travelling a mile or more, taking an active trip during the half-term break or swapping out a regular car trip.

Any school that wants to take part should get in touch with us by Friday 26 September to register for resources and more information.

The scheme is run by our My Journey Wokingham team with support from Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council.

It's all part of our efforts to encourage sustainable travel, ranging from schemes like this to improving walking, cycling and bus provision

One final reminder for this Saturday's (20 September) free electric vehicle awareness event! Pop down to Elms Field in Wokingham at any time between 10am and 2pm to view models, ask questions, test ride e-bikes, enjoy family activities and more. 

Upcoming roadworks

Keeping up to date

• For planned and emergency roadworks, follow us on Facebook
• To find out about roadworks near you, visit our interactive map
• For active and sustainable travel, visit My Journey Wokingham 
• Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
• Find out more about resurfacing and repairs including potholes
• 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. 
• Find out more about parking and permits including car park locations and costs, resident permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine
• Our transport and travel page includes applying for a senior citizen's or disabled person's bus and train pass, as well as public transport information
• The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge