PAINSTAKING temporary traffic lights on a busy commuter road have come to a halt after the council finished protecting homes from flooding.

Reading Borough Council finished the flood wall near Whiteknights Reservoir, which saw temporary lights installed near Green Road.

Residents blasted the council over the disruption when the plans were first announced but the authority insisted properties in East Reading needed protection.

The scheme, which also included draining works and widening of the footpath to improve pedestrian safety, is now complete however and the lights have been removed.

Councillor Tony Page said: “The completion of this project brings to an end a major Council scheme which will not only help protect homes in this area from flooding, but also has created a more attractive environment through enhanced landscaping works in the area. For local residents the widening of the footpath along Whiteknights Road has delivered a major improvement in pedestrian safety.”

“The day to day management of the works has been praised by residents, the nearby Care Home, the University and allotment holders in the area. I would like to thank them all for their patience whilst these essential works took place.”

The council has also vowed to install new trees and a hedgerow along Whiteknights Road.

A spokesman said: "The scheme includes landscaping works within the Mockbeggar Allotment site which will take place during the appropriate planting season in the Autumn. "These include new trees and native hedgerow, being planted along the length of the new flood wall and within the allotment, and honeysuckle creepers planted to grow over the gabion baskets in time."