Parking safety and drainage issues have been raised at a riverside beauty spot in Caversham.
Caversham Court Gardens affords wonderful views of the River Thames, being located on its north bank, features landscaped gardens and is also home to St Peter's Church.
But issues with parking safety, drainage and other problems have been raised by Dave Luckett, the Conservative candidate in the Caversham Heights by-election.
He particularly mentioned damage to the gate in October 2025.
Mr Luckett said: “The problems behind Caversham Court Gardens are mounting up!
“Most residents will have seen the damage to the wall at the front of Caversham Court Gardens, but there are also serious concerns about the wall and road at the back, along The Warren.
“I was chatting with a member of Reading Canoe Club about the problems, which are affecting both club members and local residents.
“For more than two years, Reading Borough Council has cordoned off a large section of parking because of an unstable wall.
“However, some drivers are ignoring the no-parking signs and parking alongside the temporary fencing, while others are being forced to park in neighbouring roads.
“This creates a serious safety concern. Parked vehicles effectively reduce the road to a single lane close to a sharp bend, putting approaching motorists at risk, as well as the many pedestrians and cyclists who use The Warren to access the countryside.”
He also raised concerns about drainage issues causing problems for the canoe club.
Mr Luckett said: “Residents have been raising concerns about the poor road surface and potholes along The Warren for several years. Although Reading Borough Council has included the road in its resurfacing plans, the work keeps being pushed back.
“Poor maintenance along the roadside is also contributing to drainage problems, with water running downhill from St Peter’s Avenue down the Warren and then to the Canoe Club.
“Back in May, Cllr Isobel Ballsdon asked the council to arrange a public meeting at the Canoe Club, bringing together residents, club members and Council officers to discuss repairing the wall and restoring the parking.
“Five months on, the Labour-run council has yet to agree a meeting date, let alone provide a timetable for the repairs. Meanwhile, residents and club members are left wondering how much longer these problems will continue.
“These issues need resolving, and I'll continue pressing the council for answers and action.”
A council spokesperson clarified that a programme of repair and conservation works has been agreed for Caversham Court Gardens in July.
They said: These conservation improvements include the replacement of the main entrance gates, repairs and enhancements to the gazebo and its linking causeway, and conservation works to the eastern boundary wall.
Works are expected to commence in spring 2027 and be completed by autumn 2027.
In addition, repairs to the courtyard boundary wall of the former stable block have recently been completed.
The western boundary wall has structural problems, which have required sections to be fenced off.
The council is in the process of obtaining the approvals needed, procuring and appointing specialist companies to carry out repair work. The work is expected to start in summer 2027 and be complete by summer 2028.
A new page on the council website contains details and updates of the conservation work.
The council is continuing to look at different parking options along The Warren and identifying a long-term solution.
We are planning to arrange a meeting with residents and interested parties later this year or early next year.
The Warren is on the council’s list of roads for resurfacing, but the independent assessments carried out so far have found that other locations had a higher priority.
An attempt has been made to contact all parties running in the Caversham Heights by-election for a response.
Voting takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, November 26.
The other candidates are Wrishi Basu for the Labour Party, Clarence Mitchell for Reform UK, Adil Khan for the Greens, Dr Jo Ramsay for the Liberal Democrats and Tom Hadow for Restore Britain.
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