Issues relating to inconsiderate parking and drainage have been ‘going on for too long’, as a debate has been sparked about problems at a Caversham beauty spot.
Caversham Court Gardens is visited by thousands of people each year as a place to walk, exercise, relax in the sun and attend St Peter’s Church.
Dave Luckett, the Conservative candidate in the Caversham Heights by-election, raised complaints about inconsiderate parking and drainage issues.
Although a wall along The Warren has been cordoned off, drivers are still parking there when they are not meant to, or parking elsewhere, causing issues in neighbouring streets.
Complaints have also been made about drainage issues posing a flood risk to the Reading Canoe Club on the bank of the River Thames.
Now the other parties have had an opportunity to respond.
Wrishi Basu, defending the seat for the Labour Party, has committed to interceding for residents so that the problems can be solved.
He said: “If elected, I will put residents’ concerns to the council and report back to them once I have the full picture. I can see these are issues residents care about and I would press to meet with the council leadership and relevant staff to understand the issues better.”
Opposition candidates believe the council should be taking more action to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Clarence Mitchell, the Reform UK candidate, said: “Inconsiderate and dangerous parking is as unacceptable around The Warren as it is anywhere across Reading. Thoughtless and selfish parking behind Caversham Court Gardens is causing particularly acute problems for everyone who lives in the immediate area.
“The situation around the unstable wall – and its knock-on effects in neighbouring roads – has been going on for far too long and the council now needs to take firmer enforcement action against those drivers who continue to blatantly ignore the No Parking signs.
“The poor condition of the road surfaces, too, is not just restricted to The Warren as potholes and crumbling council ‘repairs’ remain a blight for drivers and cyclists across Reading. Again, the council needs to ensure its much-trumpeted resurfacing plans are actually delivered far more swiftly and effectively than they presently are.”
Mr Mitchell previously served as a Conservative councillor for neighbouring Emmer Green ward from 2021 to May this year.
Adil Khan, Green Party candidate for Caversham Heights, said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy Caversham Court Gardens and use The Warren safely. I’d like the council to enforce the parking rules and give residents a firm date for resurfacing The Warren.
“The council should also fix the drainage problems affecting Reading Canoe Club.
“The Green Party is the main opposition party on Labour-run Reading Council. Greens have the second highest number of councillors. If elected, I would hold the council to account on these issues and keep pushing for a fairer, greener and cleaner town.”
Dr Jo Ramsay, the candidate for the Liberal Democrats, said: “Caversham Court Gardens is a jewel in the Caversham crown, much loved by the whole community.
“Its success is thanks in large part to the tireless work of the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens, whose imaginative programme of events brings so many people through the gates.
“It’s a real shame that delays to the repairs mean the gardens aren’t fully accessible to wheelchair users.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy this space, and the council needs to get the work done without further delay.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has attempted to contact Tom Hadow, the Restore Britain candidate, for a response.
The by-election takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, November 26.
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