CALIFORNIA STEAMING
Concerns as first phase of nine-month roadworks to start next week
MAJOR works that are predicted to cause chaos will start next week.
Phase one of carriageway works at California Crossroads in Finchampstead will start on Monday, and are expected to continue until mid-May. The entire project is predicted to be completed by September.
It will see Finchampstead Road closed from the Ratepayers Hall to California crossroads, as well as Nine Mile Ride being closed from just past Gorse Ride to the crossroads.
Wokingham Borough Council has said that access will be maintained to properties along these roads within the closure. A diversion will be in place.
Wokingham Borough Council said: “Although we aim to carry out construction works in phases to minimise disruption, there will be some closures while they take place. This is required for the carriageway works.
“Pedestrian access will always be maintained for all businesses, and we’ll do all we can to maintain deliveries to all businesses through traffic management.”
Local businesses have understandably raised concerns about the possible loss of trade during the work, and many took to social media to urge locals to continue to patronise their businesses.
The Queens Oak in Finchampstead said: “Amidst the dust and drills of the planned nine-month works, The Queen’s Oak will most definitely be open, ready to serve you with a smile.
“Our ask of you is to continue to show us some love, and to help keep the community spirit we have built alive.”
Cresswells Garage wrote: “During the road works on California crossroads, we would like to reassure our customers that we will be opening normally with full facilities available.
“The contractors have said there will be access to both sides but this may be restricted at times.”
Nine Mile Ride Veterinary Hospital added: “We ask that you please allow extra time to arrive at your appointment.”
A special newsletter by Finchampstead Parish Council noted: “The project originated from planning consents given for the large amounts of housing development at Arborfield Green and Finchwood Park, at least 10 years ago.
“The assessment by Highways Officers at the time of these planning applications was that the resulting increases in traffic on Nine Mile Ride would eventually impact California Crossroads, and this would need mitigating.
“Getting the developers to fund this by means of a condition on the planning consent would have required robust technical evidence to prove that it was necessary.
“It was also an opportunity to revitalise a part of Finchampstead that is undeniably starting to show its age.
“Cancelling the project could mean handing money back including what has already been spent on consultation, design and procurement of the contractor.
“Then, if in say 10 years’ time (and currently only about half of the Arborfield development has been built), it was decided the project was needed, the money wouldn’t be there.
“Therefore, this is a ‘now or never’ project and the council has decided that, on balance, it’s best to continue with it.”
The aim of the project is to create a stronger sense of place, by shifting priority away from motor vehicles. This will be achieved by making it easier for non-motorists to move between and around the two mini roundabouts, as well as provide additional crossing points.
The result will also see what is described as a higher quality environment, with embossed design on the footway paving, as well as leaf pattern printed on the carriageway and at crossings.
Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, said: “The £5.4 million redevelopment of California Crossroads starts on February 12.
“We are very disappointed the council chose not to listen to the petition signed by more than 800 residents, which was presented by local businesses and Cllr Peter Harper late last year calling for this scheme to be dropped.
“The Council has admitted this scheme does not improve traffic flow or road safety. They decided to proceed.
“It will cause a lot of disruption. We will be pressing the council to ensure it is delivered on time and to budget.”
“I have been contacted by many residents who live on side roads, and are fearful of their roads becoming rat runs for the period of the work.
“We will continue to ask Wokingham Borough Council to take steps to stop this.
“The council has said it will not pay compensation to the local shops, restaurants and garage for the significant disruption to their businesses.
“I know many are very concerned about the harm this scheme will do to their footfall. It is imperative the people keep visiting the shops, restaurants, pub and garage in Finchampstead to ensure they get through this difficult period and can prosper when the work is complete.
“This scheme is being imposed on local people against the wishes of the majority.
“I hope it is worth it when we come out the other side.”
Cllr Paul Fishwick, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said that drop-ins in December offered residents the opportunity to find out about the upcoming works.
He said: “In late 2018 and early 2019, we consulted on the proposed plan which included drop-in consultation events.
“We used the feedback from the consultation to shape the final scheme, which is about to start being delivered.
“During the December 2023 drop-in sessions, we received feedback which has been taken into account as part of the traffic management for the project, such as narrowing the junctions to Kiln Ride and Windsor Road, as well as adding more signs telling people to use the official diversion and not their sat navs.
“We also agreed to temporarily close White Horse Lane and Warren Road at one end during the works, due to concerns raised by residents.”
He said his team will continue to monitor the local highway network throughout the project and, where possible, will introduce additional traffic management measures if needed.
He added: “This scheme will improve the area, particularly for pedestrians, and create an improved heart of Finchampstead village.
“We know it will cause disruption but we will work to minimise this as best we can.
“The current construction schedule is balanced to reduce the overall length of the work while still maintaining access, via diversions, to the facilities in the village centre.
“We want to remind everyone that businesses and schools will be open as usual, however you might need to take a slightly different route to get to them during the planned construction phases.
“We would encourage you to continue to support your local shops and businesses through the works.”
■ For a regular newsletter on the project, log on to: www. wokingham.gov.uk/newsletter.