Bus diversion route is the only option

RESIDENTS in an area of Finchampstead have expressed their concerns about a bus diversion route that could be in place for months.

Social media posts have suggested “most” of the residents in Foxcote, Kiln Ride and Windsor Ride are not supportive of the diversion route for buses that will be utilised for the seven-month duration of the nearby California crossroads works.

There are fears that other traffic will follow the same diversion route.

“No lessons have been learned” from previous diversions, one poster wrote.

A spokesperson for Reading Buses said: “Due to the roadworks at Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead, some buses will need to be diverted.

“The Leopard 3 will run along Langley Common Road and will ‘double back’ along Barkham Ride to ensure we still serve as much of the original route as possible.

“Thames Valley Buses route 125 will use Kiln Ride, Foxcote and Windsor Ride. This diversion has been used previously without any issues as the buses that run on this route are minibuses that can easily navigate the roads.

“While we understand some residents’ concern, the closure of the normal route is outside of our control, and we need to ensure that we can still provide our customers with a service.

“We aim to use the best, most suitable diversions possible.

“Without this diversion, a large area would be left without access to a bus service for six months, which clearly would not be good.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council told Wokingham Today: “When road closures are in place, the council puts into place the formal diversion and bus companies put forward one that works for them, which will include things such as minimising stops affected, considering those with mobility issues and/or where it’s the only mode of transport.

“For this project there will be traffic management along Kiln Ride, and if needs be we’ll extend.

“The diversion route is planned and executed by the bus company.”

Cllr Charles Margetts, local councillor for Finchampstead North, was sympathetic to the concerns of residents.

He said: “It’s unfortunate but this route is the only way we are able to keep the bus route alive during the roadworks.”