Bridge closure to cause a stir among Pangbourne traders

The privately-owned bridge, which is used by 5,800 vehicles during a typical working day, will close for seven months of reconstruction works, at an estimated cost of £4.3m, starting on October 3.
The bridge, which is 111 years old, straddles the River Thames and serves as the boundary between Berkshire and Oxfordshire, and both councils serving the area have agreed to parking restrictions and diversions while the work takes place.
A traders’ group had been formed to minimise the impact that the project could have on local businesses.
The manager of Grey’s Cheese, Angela Brown, said: “We just do not know what customers on the other side of the river will do as it will mean a round trip [through Streatley or Tilehurst] if you want to shop in Pangbourne. It’s a job that has to be done and all we can do is try to minimise the effect.”
West Berkshire Council has said it would not lower parking rates.
Mrs Brown said that businesses had asked whether the parking meters could be altered to a two-ticket system where shops could offer customers a refund on parking.
This view was shared by the manager of Garlands Organic Shop, Abi Thorne.
She said: “We’re all resolved that the work is going ahead and we may do things to encourage people to use us. We just need people in Pangbourne and the surrounding area to support us.”
Mrs Thorne also said that the shop would try to make deliveries as much as possible to people north of the river during the closure.
Pangbourne district councillor and executive for highways, Pamela Bale, said “I have reassured them [traders] that the current issues of access via Streatley High Street and Goring Bridge will be addressed by daytime parking restrictions and improvements to the traffic signals at the junction with the A329.
“Plans are also being put in place for the Christmas period to attract shoppers to the village at that time.”
Mrs Bale added that she had provided businesses with an indicative cost for the two ticket system but was yet to hear a response.
“We understand that the only way to achieve replacement of the listed bridge structure is demolition and rebuild. Pangbourne wants the closure to be for as short a time as possible.
“Appropriate traffic management procedures are in place to minimise the impact and the temporary footbridge will ensure pedestrians are able to access facilities, shops and the railway station.”
The Whitchurch Bridge company said that although the new bridge would be strong enough to support 44-tonne vehicles, they would be complying with resident’s wishes to retain a 7.5-tonne limit. Work on a replacement foot bridge will begin next month and should be open in time for the closure of the road bridge. The bridge is expected to re-open in April 2014.