West Berkshire Council has teamed up with Reading Buses to improve access for residents in Calcot, writes Tevye Markson.

Reading Buses will run their ‘sky blue’ branded route 15 through the Calcot Estate from September 3.

This will make it easier for Royal Avenue and Garston Crescent residents to access facilities at Calcot, including the IKEA and Sainsbury’s stores at the Pincents Kiln Industrial Park.

Jeanette Clifford, WBC executive member for highways and transport said: “I very much welcome these investments in customer facilities.

“They are the result of strong partnership working with Reading Buses and will undoubtedly make bus travel an even more attractive option for journeys to work, school, leisure and shopping in Calcot and the surrounding area.”

Passengers will be able to make onward connections to Theale and Newbury at the Calcot Sainsbury’s bus stop.

In addition, WBC improved access at twelve bus stops along the route, including raised kerbs and information displays.

Tony Pettitt, Chief Finance and Information Officer at Reading Buses said: “We are pleased to be working with the council to further improve connectivity in Calcot.

“The improved stops are an important part of enabling people to use buses.

“This welcome investment clearly shows the council’s tangible support for sustainable transport and the important sky blue routes.”