Woodley footbridge update

The footbridge from Woodley to Earley station has been in a poor state of repair for years. However, the rumours that it will be closed are untrue: the current plan is to repair the section across the A3290 and replace both ramps completely. A contract is being prepared to go out to tender. “Subject to Network Rail, the work will be undertaken in 2026,” Lib Dem Borough Councillor Beth Rowland explained. “Meanwhile, there are regular safety checks which I am monitoring. The proposed repair is great news as this is such an important link for Woodley residents”.

First Repair Café event a great success!

The first Woodley Repair Café proved to be a great success and kept the fixers and volunteers very busy. Heaters, garden tools, lamps, bikes and toys were among the items brought in for repair. “I was delighted by the response to the Woodley Repair Café. We have an amazing team of fixers and volunteers.” says Woodley Repair Café founder, Carol
Jewell. The Repair Café is open between 2 and 4pm on the first Sunday of each month at Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road.

Listening to you and taking action

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more popular but they are also an increasing menace for pedestrians and motorists. Lib Dem Borough Councillor Beth Rowland told FOCUS, “Complaints about e-scooters and bikes being ridden dangerously make up a significant part of my casework. “There have been many incidents reported by older people both  round South Lake and in the shopping centre. I have been speaking to Wokingham Borough’s Anti-Social Behaviour unit and the police about the problem.” E-scooters are not allowed to be ridden on roads or pavements: doing so could result in a fine or confiscation. Anti-social behaviour can be reported online to: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/community- and-safety/anti-social-behaviour/

More Charging Points for Woodley

More electric vehicle charge points are being installed in Woodley. “This is great news for residents,” Lib Dem Nigel Harman told FOCUS. “Each charge point uses a pay-as-you-go smartphone app which is free and available 24/7.” You’ll find the points in Wheble Drive, Pitford Road and Headley road.

Water, water everywhere...

Whilst people appreciate the water in South Lake, when it gets in their way on the footpath that’s different! “I am a regular user of the footpath around the lake,” says Lib Dem
Councillor Carol Jewell. “We are lucky to have such a beautiful spot to enjoy. BUT, there is one area where the walk becomes a paddle! Not only is the large puddle an issue, people are seeking alternative ways around and creating a much wider (and muddier) footpath.” This has been reported to the Borough Council and hopeful some remedial work will take place soon. 

Flooding solved

The flooding problem at the junction of Nightingale Road and Campbell Road has been ongoing since 2016. It is only since Lib Dem South Lake Councillor Beth Rowland alerted the Lib Dem-run council in December 2020 that something has been done. “Clearing the drain didn't solve the problem, so I asked for further action,” Beth told FOCUS. “In the end, a blockage was found In the Thames Water system and they were asked to clear their sewer. Several tonnes of silt were removed and a dislodged pipe was located and
repaired by Thames Water.”

New cycle service

A bicycle repair station has been installed outside the Bulmershe Sports Centre next to the bike racks. “I am delighted that this is now in place. I chose this site as a number of  people cycle to the sports centre and it’s easily accessible for other cyclists,” Lib Dem councillor Carol Jewell says. The repair station has a pump and a selection of tools and you can hang up a bike for easy access.

Tory climate betrayal

Despite the desperate need for us all to reduce our carbon footprint in the face of the climate emergency, the Conservatives think otherwise! “I set up a Climate Emergency Sub-committee in 2019 to look at ways the Town Council's carbon footprint could be reduced and to encourage residents to do the same,” explained Lib Dem councillor Carol Jewell.
“Despite my persistent requests, only a handful of meetings have been held and now they have disbanded the Sub-committee!”