Angry Resident Raises Safety Alarm Over Road Closure

An angry resident has criticised the handling of a road closure near the Reading to Waterloo line after a burst water main closed Barkham Road outside Wokingham Hospital. The works were by South East Water, not Network Rail, and while access was meant to remain open some residents said it was effectively blocked.

Access to the level crossing from the north was also suspended for safety reasons, with no clear indication residents could still legally cross.

Wokingham Borough Council said the closure between Latimer Road and Ormonde Road was agreed with the utility company, and the road was expected to reopen by 6am on Saturday after resurfacing, adding that access to homes and businesses was maintained except where works were taking place.

Maria Eugenia Tomazini strongly disputed that. She said: "There is a serious safety problem that the coverage misses entirely. Because of the closures, drivers are now entering the hospital through the exit and travelling the wrong way down the road.

But a spokesperson from the council said: "The hospital has been informed of the closure through our normal channels and have not reached out with any concerns - it would be up to them to manage their entrances and exits appropriately."

Ms Tomazini said: "This is genuinely dangerous and it is happening now. No one quoting a Facebook post would know that - you only see it by standing on Barkham Road and watching.

"That's my real ask: come and see it for yourself. The story here isn't the reassurance, it's the gap between what is said and what is actually happening on the ground - and the risk that gap is creating.

Cllr Adrian Betteridge, who has been updating residents on social media, said signage was initially at fault. He said: "This is a simple issue. The utility company should have put signs up saying closed except for access.

"They didn't do so. This was corrected as soon as it was pointed out.

South East Water apologised for the disruption. He said: "We're sorry to customers, motorists and hospital visitors affected by the repair.

"There were initial issues with signage, but additional signs were issued as soon as we were made aware.

The road is expected to reopen tomorrow morning at 6am.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter