The internet company that’s been accused of causing ‘chaos roadworks’ in Reading over the last year will be grilled by councillors as top officials have agreed to attend a meeting this week.
The City Fibre company has been installing superfast broadband in Reading since January 2021, but has proven unpopular due to roadworks causing traffic chaos.
Most recently, drivers faced significant delays due to the partial closure of Reading Bridge in June, and in Church Road in Caversham in April.
Drivers also suffered long delays due to City Fibre works in Oxford Road in October.
In April, Reading Borough Council requested that City Fibre attend a meeting of its Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport committee.
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Now, City Fibre officials Roy Griffin, regional delivery director, and Stacey King, regional partnership director have agreed to attend the meeting on at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 7.
Councillor Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) lead member for Transport, said: “Residents in Reading will understand that this is a significant investment by City Fibre in superfast broadband in the town.
“Nevertheless, there have been phases of this project where roads have essentially been gridlocked, with an unacceptable knock-on effect on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“That was particularly the case both along the Oxford Road last year and more recently in Caversham when City Fibre’s works along Church Street saw huge tailbacks build up over our two bridges and along St Peter’s Hill.
"This was in spite of assurances made to myself and Council officers by City Fibre and Instalcom ahead of this phase of work in Caversham.
“City Fibre’s roll-out will continue across Reading for some months yet before completion, including at other traffic sensitive locations.
"I am certain that, like me, other councillors will want to seek assurances from the company and its contractor at Thursday’s meeting that everything possible will be done to minimise disruption in the weeks and months ahead.
“We will also want to understand what improvements are being made to ensure this level of disruption is not repeated in Reading. ”
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Speaking on City Fibre’s behalf, Stacey King said: “CityFibre is investing £58m into Reading to transform its digital infrastructure and bring next generation full fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the city.
“This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to ensure all works are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.
“We’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to manage disruption.
“In Reading, we recently carried out works during off-peak hours with a diversion route in place to minimise traffic.
“And we do everything we can to inform the community well ahead of work starting.
“We’d like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during any recent delays they may have encountered.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community to date while we deliver this major investment programme.”
The works are being undertaken by Instalcom, City Fibre’s highways contractor.
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