Rubbish dumped in Oxford Road construction site

Contractors working for Reading Borough Council and SSE are extending the pavement outside the train station and carrying out utility works, but litterers are leaving their rubbish at the site.

The council have sent teams to clear up the area in Oxford Road following complaints from members of the public.

Reading West - collapsed barriers & another HS issue - 3 men in high vis. talking loudly about more digging - eyes soar & public nuisance #getitsorted @ReadingCouncil @RDGLabourCllrs @JN_Brock @CllrTonyPage @rdgchronicle @berkshire_live @news_rdg @ReclaimReading @ReadingForum pic.twitter.com/tOsEnsvYri

— Stephen Graham - TLP 🔥 (@SGrahamg5) January 26, 2022

The trench was dug by a contractor to undertake drainage works, but SSE have been delayed in starting their part of the scheme.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “Throughout these works the Council has undertaken Traffic Management which has often included lane closures and temporary traffic lights.

“The delays in contractor activity have provided an opportunity to remove lane closures and traffic management to allow respite for people travelling through this area.”

Read more: M4 road closures near Reading this week

They are expected to be at the site until May, after which the site will then be handed over to Great Western Railway and their contractor for building works to commence.

The project will result in a new station building on Oxford Road, with potential ticket gates and a new retail unit.

There will be minor changes to the road layout to facilitate the station building and to provide a bus interchange facility and improved cycle parking.