Waterworks disruption ahead
Peasemore faces six months of road closures as Thames Water replaces pipes
A COMMUNITY is concerned about how five months of planned road closures will affect deliveries, school buses, farming and local businesses.
Thames Water (TW) is planning a series of roadworks to replace pipes to reduce water leaks in Peasemore.
A TW spokesperson said: “We will soon be replacing our clean water pipes in Peasemore as part of our plans to reduce leaks and keep taps flowing for now and the future.
“Our engineers will be working on Field Road from April 18 to September 9, during which time the road will be closed.
“We are sorry to residents and motorists for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to assure them diversions will be in place to minimise disruption.”
But a spokesperson for Peasemore Parish Council previously told the Newbury Weekly News it had not been notified about the planned roadworks, which had caused alarm among residents.
They said: “Over the past years, Peasemore has been subjected to many water leaks, leading to road closure.
“Parishioners have brought it to the attention of the parish council that road closures for works by TW are scheduled from April 18 for five months.
“While the village will welcome the upgrading of the water system to prevent future leaks and improve drainage, as yet we have had no contact from TW as to the details of the work and the length of time each road will be shut.
“This lack of communication has caused considerable concern to
both the residents and the businesses that run within the village.”
The parish council has since confirmed it received a notification from the water company on April 2.
But some parishioners are still not satisfied.
Phil Davison, owner of The Fox at Peasemore, said: “Despite the extensive nature of these works and their potential to cause substantial disruption to our country pub business, there has been a serious lack of communication and consultation with affected stakeholders, including myself as a business owner and employer of numerous local individuals.
“The disruption caused by these roadworks has the potential to adversely affect not only our business operations but also the livelihoods of both ourselves and our employees.
“Without adequate information and planning, we are left unable to mitigate the impact on our staff and customers.
“Any prolonged disruption to access routes could deter both regular patrons and potential visitors, leading to a decline in footfall and revenue for our business.
“I urge West Berkshire Council to prioritise effective communication and consultation with local businesses and residents regarding the planned road works in Peasemore.”
Roadworks will take place at Field Road from today (Thursday) until June 10 (with traffic control measures at Meads Close); at the unnamed road from Princes Lane to Mud Lane between June 11 and August 5; and at the unnamed road from Mud Lane to Old Street from August 6 until September 13.
No footway closures are expected.
TW confirmed letters have been sent to residents and businesses in the area.
Contact the water company on 0800 316 9800, quoting reference B00590997, for all enquiries.