Frustrations have been voiced over a long delay for a £1.3 million pound project to improve cycling in Reading that still has not been delivered. 

Back in March 2022, Reading Borough Council won funding to improve active travel for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the town. 

The council won this funding from the Conservative government thanks to a bid that included a segregated cycle lane called the Bath Road and Castle Hill active travel scheme. 

Of that funding, £1.3 million was allocated to create a segregated cycle lane along Bath Road and Castle Hill cycle lane, with work set to start this year.

However, the project has been delayed, leading to frustration from neighbours.

READ MORE: Funding secured to progress cycling and walking projects in Reading

Tony Page, the Mayor of Reading for 2023/24, and a Labour councillor for 51 years asked for an update on the project at a recent council meeting. 

He said: "As a resident of Castle Hill I can report that there is still considerable local support for this scheme, which was the subject of high-level and detailed public consultations some years ago.

"Local residents along Bath Road and Castle Hill are facing daily challenges with often speeding cyclists using the pavements in a dangerous manner.

"The sooner the segregated cycle lanes are installed, the better it will be for the respective safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

"Can you explain why there are continuing delays and also provide a timetable for delivering it?" 

His question was answered by John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport. 

READ MORE: How much in funding Reading Borough Council has secured for walking and cycling projects 

Councillor Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: "Following development of the detailed designs as well as the council's experience of delivering our Shinfield Road scheme, it is forecast that there will be insufficient funding for the full scheme as originally designed. 

"Transport officers have therefore paused the tendering process and have put together a series of options which will be discussed with members before an agreed approach is taken. 

"These predominantly relate to the signals on the Castle Hill roundabout, and the design option for cyclists and pedestrians to traverse through this junction.

"Once the updated design has been approved by members, officers will recommence the tendering process and aim to commence construction on this scheme next year." 

READ MORE: Driving lane set to be taken up by two cycle lanes 

Mr Page then asked whether a new consultation will be held on any redesign. 

Cllr Ennis replied: "One of the reasons for the delay is the safety aspect, because that is one hell of a complex roundabout, and it's key to the whole project. 

"Firstly we'll go to members to have a look at it, then to experts in the cycling community, such as the Reading Cycle Campaign, then we'll be looking to consult, I don't see that as a problem." 

The exchange took place at a policy committee meeting on Monday, November 18.