Petition Calls for Biscuit Tunnel Revamp

A petition is calling for the Biscuit Tunnel to be cleaned up and improved for the people who use it every day. The tunnel runs under the railway between Kenavon Drive and Napier Road and is used by pedestrians and cyclists heading to Tesco Extra and Forbury Retail Park. It was a historic railway tunnel once used to transport biscuits from the Huntley and Palmers factory and was reopened as a passage in 2015.

The Green Party-led campaign has collected 190 signatures asking Reading Borough Council to act. Councillor David Clarke helped gather names, and the petition was presented by Sara Fulbrook at full council on 13 October.

"The Biscuit Tunnel is frequently used by our community, but it needs improvements. We are calling on the council to urgently work on tackling problems. In 2015, the tunnel was reopened for pedestrians and cyclists. Since then, it has fallen into a state of disrepair. The tunnel is filled with dog poo, litter and graffiti, and residents have expressed concern about safety. We are campaigning to clean up the tunnel and make it safer for local residents."

The petition asks the council to:

1. Clear dog poo and litter, remove weeds and cut back overgrown bushes
2. Clean graffiti and consider a mural representing the tunnel's historical significance
3. Improve lighting around the tunnel
4. Fix the CCTV
5. Address annual flooding that makes the tunnel impassable
6. Fill the small, hidden setback area on the west side at the Napier Road end

The petition received a response from John Ennis, the council's lead member for highways. He said: "The Biscuit Tunnel is an important walking and cycling link, and I recognise both its historical significance and the value it provides to residents. We are already taking action in a number of areas. Following the end of the bird nesting season, vegetation around the tunnel is being cut back to improve visibility and accessibility. The tunnel also forms part of the Council's routine cleansing programme, and officers will continue to monitor litter, dog fouling and graffiti and take action where appropriate."

He welcomed the mural idea but said it would need external funding and suggested applying to Arts Council England, the National Lottery or the council's Micro Grants Scheme.

He added: "We are aware of concerns about lighting and CCTV. Officers are exploring opportunities to improve both as part of our wider asset management and improvement programmes. Flooding remains the most challenging issue. The tunnel sits at a low level and is affected by groundwater and periods of high river levels. We continue to explore potential mitigation measures, but there is no simple solution. Finally, concerns about the recessed area at the Napier Road end are recognised. As this structure is owned by Network Rail, any changes would require their agreement, and officers will continue to engage with them where appropriate. I would also encourage residents to continue reporting issues such as litter, graffiti and dog fouling through the Love Clean Reading app, which helps us respond as quickly as possible."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter