Wokingham

Wokingham town centre is basking in the peace and quiet now traffic is diverted away – and local traders report that it’s a prime time to shop.

“We would like to reassure everyone that the shops in the town centre are very much open and ready for business. The closure of the Finchampstead Road seems to have encouraged drivers to find other routes around the town, so there isn’t any congestion in the centre at all,” says Mary Piasecki of Hudson Bay Clothing Company in Denmark Street.

Mary Baker, proprietor of Chapter One children’s bookshop, Wokingham agrees that in fact there is less traffic in the town centre than usual – and plenty of space in the car parks. “One mother who came into my shop said she’s finding it a wonderful time to be shopping with toddlers,” says Mary. “It’s much safer at the moment because there is so little traffic in the town centre.”

Odile Noble of J’Ador, also on Denmark Street, Wokingham says she thinks the peace and quiet is a lovely atmosphere for shoppers and urges local people to come and enjoy the space.

“We look forward to seeing old customers return now that the traffic situation has settled. And maybe the traffic-free environment will even encourage some new shoppers to come and explore the town. It’s an ideal time to come shopping and make a day of it,” says Mary Piasecki.

Mary is concerned that widespread warnings of delays due to the closure of the Finchampstead Road may frighten people away. “People come to Wokingham because it is a pleasant market town with many independent shops,” she said. “It would be a shame if the warnings discouraged people from coming here. There is really no congestion. If people’s shopping habits are altered as a result of the scare, then Wokingham’s small independent shops, the very shops that people like best, will suffer the most.”

Wokingham District Council’s deputy chief executive Paul Turrell said: “The town’s traders are open for business as usual. We would urge local residents to support their local traders and come shopping in Wokingham.”

Shoppers are being reminded that they can take advantage of free parking at Wokingham council’s Shute End offices every Saturday with just a short walk to the town centre.

Water company South East Water is carrying out remedial work to a water main under the A321 Finchampstead Road, requiring road closures. Work began on February 27 and is set to continue until June 18.

Wokingham District Council