Cali works are on track says council

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has said the new California Crossroads in Finchampstead is taking shape – with work to create an attractive village centre and improved road infrastructure on track.

The changes – which it stressed come at no cost to local taxpayers – will create what it said is an appealing and safe centre that works well for people whether walking, cycling or driving.

Once complete, it said there will be a three-year protection to stop utility companies digging up the road unless an emergency. This, along with the new drainage and tarmac, should mean a long period where the crossroads will not experience any roadworks.

Wokingham Borough Council said the project is on schedule for the roads to be re-opened in early summer.

The council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Cllr Paul Fishwick said: “This is an extensive project and a lot of changes are needed to turn an unloved road junction that has been dominated by traffic into an attractive village centre that people can enjoy.

“We will also be improving the road infrastructure, so it is better able to cope with traffic volumes, and improving the drainage.

“The early work has gone well and, although you can never be certain what will be found when you dig up a road, things are good at present.

“We know this work needs to be done as quickly as possible so that disruption is minimised.”

In a statement, the council said it knows there has been local disruption and an impact on businesses from the work, and that it has been working to minimise this.

The council says it is supporting the businesses at California Crossroads by:

■ Maintaining access to businesses at all times.

■ Providing clear signage to show shops are open and let people know how to get to them.

■ Meeting businesses every day to discuss delivery schedules and plan work around these, where possible.

■ Making sure teams working onsite use the local businesses on a daily basis.

■ Promoting local businesses with wider communications including social media to encourage residents and others to support their local shops and businesses.

Executive member for economic development, Cllr David Cornish, said: “We know this is a difficult time for local businesses and are helping them as best we can.

“In the long-term, the improvements will benefit businesses by making the area more attractive and easier to get around for everybody.

“While the work is being done we are helping the businesses promote themselves and make residents aware that they are open.

“We are also talking to businesses regularly to make sure access is maintained, signage is right and delivery schedules are understood.

“And our economic development team is available to provide advice and support as needed.”

“Any directly affected businesses can apply to the national Value Office Agency (VOA) for a temporary reduction to their business rates. Full details on how to apply are available from the VOA.

The leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Stephen Conway, added: “As part of our help for businesses, I am writing to the VOA to support our local businesses’ case.

“The best way for them to get financial help is from the VOA and so we are keen to help where we can.

Wokingham Borough Council said it cannot justify paying compensation to businesses that are temporarily affected by roadworks, because it would not be right or fair for council taxpayers from across the borough to pay for support to businesses in one location.

In exceptional cases, and only when the VOA has decided not to amend their business rates following an application, the council can consider applications under its Hardship Fund.

If businesses meet the qualifying criteria, it is possible for the council to reduce the rates payable.