A years-long campaign for safety measures at a ‘dangerous junction’ in Caversham used by thousands each day is facing more delays.
A long-running campaign for safety measures at a notorious junction in Caversham is facing more delays. This junction, where Prospect Street, Peppard Road, Henley Road, and Westfield Road meet, is known as the 'Last Crumb junction' after the local pub that was renamed in 2019.
Currently controlled by traffic lights but lacking pedestrian markings, locals describe crossing as 'playing Russian roulette'. Neighbours have pushed for changes for years, with a petition for safety measures gathering over 1,000 signatures in 2022. A new petition has now received 1,887 signatures on Change.org and has been submitted to Reading Borough Council.
The council has recognised the urgency of the situation but indicated that detailed designs are needed and no funding is currently available for the changes. Heidi North, who presented the petition, stated, "There is no provision for this junction at all for pedestrians. There has already been a child hit in 2020, and that cannot continue." She highlighted that children from several schools cross here daily, along with residents accessing local shops and parks.
Despite the council's highways team acknowledging the request, they won't start detailed investigations until funding is secured. Lead councillor John Ennis urged patience, assuring the community that their concerns are a priority. However, opposition leader Rob White expressed scepticism, claiming that such requests often lead to inaction. Councillors ultimately agreed to include the junction in the traffic management measures request during a recent sub-committee meeting.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
