A neighbour has raised fears that a child could be seriously injured as pedestrians were left to ‘walk in the road’ due to barriers blocking pavements during ‘essential’ electricity works.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has been conducting  utility repair and maintenance works in Valley Road, Burghfield Common, since Christmas.

Deborah Ansell, who lives in Valley Road, said that barriers put up during the works are reportedly blocking homes and the pavement, causing people to walk on the road to get passed them.

She raised concerns that this could lead to a serious collision or a child being hit by a car while trying to get past the barriers.

Mrs Ansell said: “SSEN have been digging holes to lay new electrical cables since Christmas. However they seem to be digging holes leaving them open although barriers are in place.

“These barriers are restricting access to houses and causing pedestrians to walk in the street, it is only a matter of time before a school child is hit. SSEN has not been seen [on site] for the last two weeks.”

Since Mrs Ansell raised the issue, workers for SSEN have securely covered the digging works in order to provide safe access.

A spokesperson for the company said: “SSEN can confirm that essential works being carried out in Valley Road will be completed by the beginning of March.

“Access and pedestrian walkway has been facilitated throughout the works with barriers and covers in use to ensure the safety of road users, pedestrians and the engineers working in the area.

“Due to circumstances outside of SSEN’s control, works were temporarily halted in Valley Road earlier this month, but are restarting and will complete as scheduled.”

The street works were approved by West Berkshire Council, the local highway authority.