More than 1,400 oppose colourful crossing

More than 1,400 people have called for changes to a junction that underwent a £5.5m makeover last year.

Detractors said California Crossroads in Finchampstead, Berkshire, looked like a "playground" following the Wokingham Borough Council work and was an "accident waiting to happen".

The intersection between Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride was closed between February and September 2024 with the aim of making it more pedestrian-friendly.

A petition calling for the junction's zebra crossing and roundabout to be re-painted to "reduce the risk of a serious accident" was presented to the authority at a meeting.

Conservative councillor Peter Harper submitted the petition, which was signed by 1,446 people, on Thursday.

"Many residents have contacted me about the unconventional road marking and their personal experience of the risk of using the junction," he said.

"Standard road markings for a roundabout have not been applied meaning motorists are unsure how to negotiate the junction…they do not consistently give pedestrians priority to cross the road."

Defending the work, Mark Ashwell, the council's executive member for business and economic improvement, accused the Conservatives of presenting a "narrative" on the scheme.

The Liberal Democrat said: "A six-month pursuit of a petition to affect changes to a new traffic works has had a negative effect to our retail hub – this narrative has been a hindrance to our businesses."

Mr Ashwell added: "There is an extremely strong community in Finchampstead that supports its businesses in California and I'm personally determined to work with them to make the most of their newly enhanced centre."

Martin Alder, the council's executive member for highways and active travel, said the design was an "innovative solution" and something "we can all be proud of".

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