Roadworks chaos is set to continue at California Crossroads, as an affected business warns that a footpath has been removed.

The long-delayed project at the intersection of Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride continues to impact businesses – with owners claiming to have suffered a 50 to 60 per cent reduction in trade since they began in February.

Now Cresswell’s Garages, which sits at the centre of the roadworks, confirmed that a footpath used by residents to access shops has been removed.

Pictures shared on Facebook on August 13 show the new development – leaving only a single route to the shops, according to residents.

Businesses including Londis, Cresswell’s, and Jat’s Pharmacy have all reported a significant reduction in footfall and business rates. Cresswell’s garages have been the hardest hit, according to the community.

This comes after phase one of the roadworks, which began in February, has been completed after delays. Construction workers discovered electrical, gas and water pipes in May, meaning that digging had to be done more carefully. Heavy rainfall also contributed to the delays.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has said that it is now in phase two of completion.

Nine Mile Ride, to the west of the junction, has been open in both directions from July 19, with vehicles able to drive across the crossroads northbound only.

However, the road is closed past the junction of Avery Close, with access available to residents only through a dedicated lane.

From July 24, the shop frontage car park and Avery Corner car park has also closed.

Trevor Cresswell has called the roadworks ‘disastrous’, claiming a petition from residents to get businesses reimbursed for their loss in trade ‘fell on deaf ears’.

WBC previously said it couldn’t accord to compensate businesses, but that it would do ‘everything possible’ to help ease disruption.

The authority has said that it is ‘difficult to provide set dates’ for completion of the project, with variables like ‘weather and the discovery of unknown existing pipework’ affecting progress.

But it is likely that most of phase two works will be completed by mid-August, with the aim to reopen the crossroads with temporary traffic lights in place.

Other aspects of this phase will be completed overnight under road closure during the final phase.

The majority of works are then set to be complete by September 2.

The improvements being made should make it easier for pedestrians to access local schools, including Nine Mile Ride and Gorse Ride, according to the council.

If you've been impacted from these roadworks, please get in touch.