ANGRY workers that have had to endure months of closures around California Crossroads have hit out at Wokingham Borough Council for 'not even slightly' providing enough to support as the resurfacing works have been completed.
The mostly reopened intersection between Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride had been closed for construction since February, resulting in more than 50 per cent reductions in trade reported by some nearby businesses.
The major resurfacing project, now close to completion, is aimed at making the shopping hub more pedestrian-friendly.
But Wokingham Borough Council said in a statement to the News that it had done 'what they could' to support suffering businesses during the works.
Speaking to the News, Jayesh Mistry said that Jat’s Pharmacy had experienced a 70 per cent reduction in over-the-counter sales. His business, which has served Finchampstead residents for 30 years, boosted their prescription delivery service to balance their books.
Rueben Miles Brar, manager of Londis, was unhappy with the revelation of the main road, now open for cars in both directions. He claimed that the road was ‘no more accessible than it was before’.
A staff member at Cresswell’s garages, who didn’t want to be named, claimed there was ‘no way that it cost £5.5 million’.
However, some residents have said they are pleased with the changes, with one writing on Facebook that as a parent it ‘already feels a lot safer to cross’.
Another wrote: “I haven’t noticed anyone finding it difficult to navigate – it’s very straightforward.”
Councillor Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: “We know the works at California Cross caused issues for some businesses and we have done what we could to support.
“This has included always maintaining access to all businesses and promoting local businesses on our social media and via newsletters.”
The council publishes a weekly newsletter for residents, on which a list of local businesses still open and with pedestrian access is included.
Cllr Ashwell added that the council ‘cannot justify’ paying compensation to businesses ‘temporarily affected’ by roadworks.
The executive member said: “It would not be right or fair for council taxpayers from across the borough to pay for support to businesses in one location.”
Cllr Ashwell added that the ‘bulk of the work is now complete’, with the junction ‘soon be the pleasant, walkable, cycle-friendly village centre we had envisaged’.
A petition had been set up by businesses and residents to demand financial compensation for their losses. But this couldn’t be delivered by the council, who said the only option for businesses was to apply for a temporary reduction in business rates.
This would not have involved the council, and instead would have been in application to the National Valuation Office Agency.
Wokingham Borough Council said that in exceptional cases, the council can consider applications under its Hardship Fund, through which it can reduce the rates payable.
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