Nov 9, 2009
Objections to Closure of Station Hill
Reading Lib Dems have posted objections to the Traffic Orders advertised by Reading BC for closing Station Hill as part of the planned Sackville development opposite the station.
The traffic orders would allow the permanent closure of Station Hill/Station Approach, preventing through traffic following a transfer of Council land to Sackville Properties as part of the Station Hill development. The publishing of the Orders – done in a way that failed to make the public aware of this major change – has been slammed by the Lib Dems.
Transport spokesperson Cllr Ricky Duveen objected as the station area plans did not include facilities for bus passengers.
“Bus passengers will be queuing in the streets around the station rather than at any new bus station with facilities like an information desk, public loos etc. They will also have to walk in the open quite some distance to get to and from the station.
“The council’s use of the word ‘interchange’ is a misnomer when you look at the details of their plans.”
Reading East PPC, Gareth Epps, agrees and added:
“The poor facilities for bus passengers, taxis and private hire vehicles will lead to more traffic pressure on roads around the station. The lack of passenger facilities is being pushed forward for the benefit of the Sackville development and will produce chaos for travellers rather than provide a 21st century transport interchange.
“The way the Council have given minimum publicity to this massive change is a disgrace. This decision could forever shut off through bus travel outside Reading Station – but Reading’s Labour bosses do not want to breathe a word about it.”
