Three-month closure of canal towpath starts on Monday
A MYSTERY caused by the sudden appearance of diversion signs on a busy pedestrian route has been solved by ward councillor.
Rob White is leader of the opposition on Reading Borough Council and also one of three Green councillors for Park ward, part of which is Newtown.
He has been contacted by residents confused by signs that appeared on the Kennetside towpath leading to Thames Valley Park. These warned of the closure of the footpath all the way through to Christmas.
The works are due to start on Monday, and continue to Friday, December 22.
The route is used by Newtown residents looking to get to the popular park, Wokingham Waterside Centre and, if they cross the horseshoe bridge, a footpath leading to the Tesco supermarket, King’s Meadow and on to the Thames Path towards Caversham.
The closure is for remedial works which will strengthen the footpaths and see new railings put in place between the Kenavon Footbridge and the River Kennet where it meets the Thames, ahead of any winter storms – the area often floods.
A second project will see investigative work for wall strengthening in the stretch of pavement between Patriot Place and Queens Wharf.
There will be lengthy diversions as pedestrians will either have to go along London Road to get into Newtown, or head towards Reading town centre to get back on course.
It’s not the first time that
Charity’s first chief operating officer
A CHARITY that supports children with additional needs has appointed its first chief operating officer, something it says is a huge step forward.
Lee Friend is joining Dingley’s Promise as it seeks to help families with children with
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It includes nursery provision and developmental support to SEND children in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
It also works hard to support families at what can be a challenging and isolating time.
Catherine McLeod, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, said: “It’s a huge step for the organisation, and an amazing moment for me to have a colleague to oversee all our operations, and to represent the organisation externally alongside me.
“This is a new role to match our growth.”
Mr Friend has more than 15 years’ experience in childcare, including charity playgroups, schools and nurseries, and will draw on his qualifications in leadership, management and supporting young people with their mental health for the role.
He said: “I’m thrilled. I have always been passionate about ensuring that every child has the best start in their educational journey. there were several weeks of closure: in February 2021, the footpath was shut to allow SGN to carry out gas works,.
Now it’s happening again, but this time the closure is for 12 weeks rather than four.
Cllr White was critical of the council for not alerting people in advance: “It is disappointing that the Kennet Side is going to be closed again. It wasn’t so long ago that it was closed so the new gas equipment could be put in,” he said.
“It is also a shame that Reading Council didn’t inform or consult local councillors.
“I love working with families, colleagues and local authorities because together we can ensure that the children are at the heart of everything we do and as a result give them the very best start.
The appointment comes as Dingley’s Promise celebrates its 40th anniversary.
To mark the milestone year the charity has released a video featuring some of the many parents and children who have benefitted from the service over the years which can be viewed at: youtu.be/ Umzp53O-jss
■ To find out more about Dingley’s Promise visit dingley. org.uk
“We support the safety aspect of the works and look forward to the new railings but we have gone back to the council and urged them to do everything they can to maintain access for pedestrians as otherwise this closure which is going on for three months will be very disruptive for residents.”
Reading Borough Council said the £720,000 project was essential.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “These ongoing works to strengthen and stabilise our historic Kennetside are essential in order to extend the life of the supporting wall which has deteriorated over many decades.
“The works will allow generations to continue using this popular and practical walking and cycle route, which is also a key feature of our town.
“This strengthening programme began in 2011 and has seen over 250m of the Kennetside wall strengthened.
“We appreciate the challenges that work diversions cause in people’s routines and that this latest phase of works will be an inconvenience to users. However we do trust that they understand why this work is necessary and ask residents to bear with us while we carry out this essential work.”
Another phase on the ongoing project will take place in the summer.
The works reference number is JN01037179117.
McD’s reopening
MCDONALD’S in Friar Street is to reopen next week following damage during a fire.
The Friar Street branch had significant water and smoke damage during a fire that broke out several shops away.
During the closure, updates to the branch layout have been made to improve facilities for delivery drivers and staff.
When it opens on Wednesday, McDonald’s will now offer a separate “McDelivery only” area, allowing delivery drivers to collect orders and give walk-in takeaway and dining customers more space.
McDonald’s says its new dedicated courier entrance “will also mean there is less noise in the restaurant, creating a more relaxing ambience, particularly during peak busy times.”
Improvements also see a redesign of staff break rooms to make them more comfortable.
Richard Forte, who owns and operates 30 McDonald’s restaurants in Berkshire, said:
“I’m looking forward to reopening our doors to our Reading customers once again, offering an even better customer experience due to the Convenience of the Future redesign.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local fire department for the amazing work they did in fighting the fire, and keeping everyone safe. That is the most important thing”.