When we found about about the possible delay to the works at Cow Lane Bridges Councillor Chris Maskell wrote this on his Facebook page. He explains how we feel well so I have no more to add:
'Public Inquiry into Cow Lane Bridges
It is possible that the road works linking the two Cow Lane bridges
could be delayed for up to a year. A number of objections have been
recieved from land owners who had been served compulsory purchase
orders. The CPO's had been served to facilitate the building of a road
that would link the two new Cow Lane bridges and finally remove the
infamous bottleneck.
As a result of the objections the
Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed it will be necessary to
hold a Public Inquiry. This has therefore delayed the construction
programme for the Cow Lane Highway works by approximately 12 months.
Reading Borough Council officers have said negotiations with the
objectors are on-going and there is a possibility that if the proposed
agreements are approved and the objections withdrawn, the Public Inquiry
will not be required.
It is a shame that this has happened
but it is entirely understandable that some land owners felt the need to
object. Hopefully, RBC and the landowners can come to an agreement that
will allow the project to be delivered on time.
I am not sure
when Portman Road, Cow Lane and Richfield Avenue were linked up but
since that time the short stretch of road between the two bridges has
bee a source of complaint from pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
alike.
Any delay to the completion of Cow Lane will impact on
the work we are doing to improve the Oxford Road. The first phase of
work can still go ahead as scheduled. The second phase will be
determined by monitoring the impact the opening up of Cow Lane has on
traffic flows during its first year. Any delay will impact on this
second phase.
Battle councillors have been campaigning to get
the bridges sorted out since 2004. We were looking forward to the
opening up of Cow Lane next summer, unfortunately that may now not be
possible.
When we first floated the idea that something could
be done many people looked to the heavens and said: "not in your life
time mate". Well, it will happen but if it takes a year longer than
anticipated, so be it. Another 12 months added to the forty or so years
people have been waiting for Cow Lane to be sorted out will be 12 months
well spent.'

Welcome to my blog. I am using it to keep you updated on my work as a councillor for Battle ward, Chair of the Art and Heritage forum and an activist for Unite the Union. I cover the issues affecting Battle ward and Reading residents. There may also be the occasional random post about things I am interested in.
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