I have just received this email from Barbara Richardson, Chair of the Commercial Group of the Henley Partnership. This shows the partnership working for and on behalf of Henley Retailers. After recent roadwork fiascos in Henley its good to see everyone working together to plan the pavement works until after Christmas, therefore preventing disruption to trade in the vital Xmas period.
"OCC has let a contract to re-pave the footpaths on Reading Road, up to the junction with Station Road. This work is needed and has been awaited some time, as I understand it. We are therefore pleased to see that it is on the County’s agenda. However, it is currently scheduled to start mid-way through September and last for 8 – 10 weeks. In addition, there is a proposal to make Reading Road one-way for the duration, with the associated increase in traffic in Hart Street, Thameside, Station Road and Friday Street and Queen Street.
As the Chair of the Commercial Group, I strongly objected to this work taking place in the run-up to Christmas with the traffic blockages it implies. I believe that, if the traffic diversions go ahead, there will be more people who don’t bother to come into Henley and will stay away permanently.
The meeting agreed with me so we asked that OCC should consider postponing the work until after Christmas and that Reading Road should be maintained as a two-way street for the duration of the works.
I am delighted to be able to tell you that I have just had confirmation that the works will be postponed until after Christmas. We will continue to work with the Maintenance Engineer about the traffic and the need for any diversions."
