Call for ideas over plans to protect ancient riverside

LAST December, Wokingham Borough Council turned down controversial plans to concrete over historic land by the River Thames.

Its planning committee twice rejected a proposal by Reading Borough Council to build a single lane bus lane bridge over the Kennetmouth, which straddles the border between the two boroughs.

One of the reasons cited was a campaign by local residents called SOAR.

Now the group are set to make good a promise they made by holding an open meeting on Saturday to find out how the area around the Kennetmouth can be improved.

The group said that they want to focus on how the wildlife corridor and green lung canbe transformed from a neglected area in to a natural wonderland. Its campaigners will be at the Kennetmouth on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm.

SOAR campaigner John Mullaney said: “We’re inviting local residents and anyone who enjoys the area to come and join us so that we can generate, discuss and record the community’s suggestions.

“We’re looking for ideas from the public that focus on improving the area in various categories including biodiversity, amenity and recreation, arts and culture, education, cycling and walking.

“We’re also looking for ideas that address the problems that beset the area.”

SOAR said they plan to follow up the event later in the year with a public meeting at which the generated ideas can be presented with some analysis of their feasibility.

From this, the campaign group hope that they will have a set of practical proposals that have community support. They will then present these to the respective landowners with the intent of seeking funding to take forward the community’s agreed ideas.

“After spending well over three years trying - and ultimately succeeding - to stop something from happening – the failed MRT – SOAR are really excited to be entering this new positive phase of our campaign,” Mr Millaney added.

“By again working with the community, we’re aiming to improve and enhance this much loved stretch of riverside and hopefully leave a legacy that can be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

For those who can’t make the event but would like to still offer their suggestions, SOAR can be contacted via their website at www.saveourancientriverside. co.uk