ROAD users negotiating the new road layout at The Broadway in Newbury have described it as a “serious hazard”.
Woodspeen resident, David Marsh, felt so strongly about it that he wrote to the council to complain that the Clocktower now totally blocks the view of vehicles approaching from Northbrook Street.
Mr Marsh said he had witnessed several “near misses” as cars approaching from Northbrook Street would meet vehicles already on the roundabout.
He said: “Drivers heading north up Northbrook Street cannot see the traffic proceeding round the roundabout from London Road as the view is almost totally obscured by the clock tower.
He added: “I cannot see the point in including the Clocktower in a paved area whilst at the same time creating such a serious road hazard.”
Mr Marsh wrote to the councillor responsible for roads, David Betts (Con, Purley) who acknowledged that it may not be possible to see along London Road when approaching the junction on Northbrook Street, but insisted visibility is adequate when drivers stop at the give-way line.
In his replay, Mr Betts said: “Restricting the visibility on the approach will force northbound motorists to stop and subsequently keep vehicle speeds to a minimum at the junction, creating a safer environment for all road users.”
Council spokesman Keith Ulyatt said: “The site is still under various stages of construction with temporary traffic management and roadside barriers to protect the work areas. The completed layout will have better sight lines than during construction.”
Meanwhile, Broadway traders say they have been hampered by a catalogue of construction problems during the renovation.
Essence hair salon managing director, Koulla Swan said: “As a local independent retailer we need every possible advantage in order to survive in these difficult times.....However since the works have been underway we have been plagued problems including our water supply being cut through (which is a big problem for a hair salon), extreme noise and vibration and the decimation of our passing trade.”
Council spokeswoman, Peta Stoddart-Crompton said: “The position of the trees has had to change slightly due to the location of utilities. This means that the cycle racks are now placed approximately two metres further south than originally planned.
"The cycle racks do not interfere with pedestrian movements or pose any safety issues.”