A campaigner has called for roads that are in ‘poor repair’ to be fixed in Reading.
Will Cross, a member of the Labour party, called for roads in the Redlands ward to be fixed, saying that people have complained about excessive vibration, damage to their cars and ‘painful’ journeys.
Mr Cross asked: “Redlands ward contains a number of roads in poor repair, which go beyond the treatments offered on the residential roads resurfacing programme.
“The steep upper part of Alexandra Road is in poor shape and presents problems for cyclists. It has been placed in the major roads repair class.
“The portions of Hexham Road, Corbridge Road and Newcastle Road used by the frequent no.5 double-decker service are also in a poor state.
“Residents complain of excessive vibration, damage to vehicles and a painful ride for people with sensitivity to jolting.
“How will these roads be brought back to good condition? How and when can funds be found for this work?”
READ MORE: Reading one of few councils benefitting from millions investment in bus funding
His question was answered by councillor Tony Page (Labour, Abbey), the lead member for transport.
Cllr Page explained that the council is currently engaging in a three year Residential Roads & Pavement programme which involves laying down micro asphalt.
The programme began in October 2020 and has seen over 365 residential roads surfaced so far, with 125 due to be done in the 2022/23 financial year.
Cllr Page said: “Inevitably, when rolling out such a large programme, there will be some roads that require an alternative solution to the initial proposed micro asphalt surfacing material.
“The upper part of Alexandra Road, Hexham Road, Corbridge Road and Newcastle Road all fall into the roads that require an alternative solution, and these roads will be addressed in Year 3 (2022/23) of this programme.”
READ MORE: How much free bulky waste collections will cost you in Reading
Cllr Page added that a list of residential roads that will be earmarked for repair are due to be brought to the council’s strategic environment, planning & transport committee on July 7.
He finished by reassuring Mr Cross that funding is still available for Alexandra Road, Hexham Road, Corbridge Road and Newcastle Road, and that all of these roads have been identified as part of the council’s road investment programme.
This February, the council announced 281 roads wil be closed for resurfacing over the next four months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here