Alarm as gate to path in Reading removed by vandals

The passageway between Foxhill Road and Upper Redlands Road is a well-used route by students to get to and from the University of Reading Whiteknights Campus.

It also serves as a passageway for St William of York Roman Catholic Church, where Latin worship is held daily.

The gate has been upgraded in recent years, and is typically closed between 9pm and 7.30am overnight.

But in recent months the passageway has been left open at night, allowing students to use the cut-through to get to and from the university.

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However, the gate was closed again in February, forcing people on foot to take the long way round, either using Upper Redlands Road and Eastern Avenue or Lydford Road.

The passageway is managed by the Catholic Parish of St James and St William of York, with a member of the congregating being tasked with closing and opening it.

However, in an incident on Sunday, March 3, the gate was removed from its hinges in an act of vandalism.

The gate between Upper Redlands Road and Cardigan Gardens in East Reading was taken off its hinges, and has since been removed. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Safety fears have since been raised by Dr Sunila Lobo the Labour council candidate for Redlands ward, who implied that police should begin an investigation.

Molli Cleaver, a community engagement manager at the University of Reading said: “The University has been working closely with the church, local councillors and residents to address anti-social behaviour from students.

“We continue to be supportive of the gate closing overnight to minimise disruption to neighbours.

“The University shares the disappointment and frustration about the recent incident of vandalism.

“We are speaking to the church to understand what action they will be taking and further measures the University can take to support them.”

The university spokesperson added that the incident has been reported to police and it shall work with officers to cooperate with the investigation in the hope the culprits can be identified.

Adding: “The University has zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour.

“If students are identified as being responsible for the vandalism, we would immediately set up a misconduct investigation.”

Thames Valley Police has received the report and is seeking witnesses. 

A spokesperson for the force said: “Thames Valley Police received a report of criminal damage at around midnight on Saturday, March 2 in Cardigan Gardens. A gate was damaged.

“Following an investigation, the report has been filed pending further information coming to light. Anyone with further information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240098636.”