Change to mini park and ride bid

Plans to operate schemes six days a week at Clayfield Copse in Emmer Green and Palmer Park in east Reading had angered sports clubs and other users who feared they would be shut out by commuters and shoppers parking there all day.

But on Tuesday Reading Borough Council transport leader Cllr Tony Page changed tack and said the schemes will operate Monday-Friday but not on Saturdays.

The idea, which proposes two hours' free parking and �4 thereafter, with the parking ticket valid on the bus, is officially out to consultation until next Thursday.

Peppard Ward councillor Richard Willis, who has a launched a protest petition and led a demonstration at Clayfield Copse on Sunday, said: "This is still not good enough. It's a knee jerk reaction to the protest. Cllr Page should wait until the consultation is completed then come out with some proper proposals."

He added: "Even Monday to Friday is still going to cause problems for leisure users."

Caversham Park Tennis Club secretary Paul Flood said: "It isn't workable. We have people visiting the club at all times of the week. It will greatly affect our financial viability."

Meanwhile Caversham Globe member Richard Denney fears it will lead to increased parking in surrounding roads and on grass verges and said: "If there are 50 cars parked there where are all the sports teams that use it supposed to go?"

Park ward councillor Rob White who is fighting the Palmer Park proposals said: "I'm glad that the council has gone into reverse on this disastrous scheme so it can have a dialogue with park users."

Cllr Page, who has also instructed council officers to investigate capacity at both sites, said: "We need to ensure these proposals if they are to work not only contribute to sustainable transport policies but at the same time continue to encourage people to make use of these important sport and leisure facilities."