Network Rail and the Council have confirmed the new plans include a ramped structure that meets accessibility standards. I am now reviewing the final engineering timeline to ensure construction proceeds according to these updated designs.
March 25, 2023
Final supporters
Wokingham Town and the new Carnival leisure complex are only accessible from the South by busy roads with inadequate pavements and no cycleways.
Network Rail is planning to replace the Tanhouse temporary bridges next to the Carnival leisure complex but is intending to build a stepped structure which will be inaccessible to everyone other than fully-able pedestrians. We believe this to be contrary to their duty under Section 19 of the disabilities discrimination act. A bridge with ramps would provide safe and direct access for pedestrians of all abilities, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, families with pushchairs, cyclists and others from Molly Millars, Folly Court, Barkham, Finchampstead and Woosehill, in place of the longer and less safe alternatives.
We call upon Network Rail to work with Wokingham Borough Council to ensure the replacement Tanhouse bridge is accessible to all, and upon Wokingham Borough Council to facilitate and contribute to this scheme for the benefit of residents.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 14, 2023
August 10, 2022
The petition has reached 100 signatures. I am documenting these names to include in the formal correspondence I am preparing for the Wokingham Borough Council planning office.
Reached 100 supporters
August 10, 2022
99 Comments
What is the point of building a bridge to last 125 years using Victorian legislation and not providing for today’s and tomorrow’s requirements with more people switching to active travel we need this to bridge to support access for all users able bodied, and people with disables who wheeled assistance
What century is this? If that bridge is important enough to build for people who can walk, it's important enough to build for people who can't. That crossing looks pretty important for all. James, Bracknell.
Agreed, we need ramps to be fitted at the same time as the bridges are replaced and not at a later date as this would cause more disruption additional costs and wasted money materials and resources.
As a young adult with a degenerative disability, it doesn't seem fair that people like me, people in wheelchairs, older people, parents with buggies or people with bikes should be left out
Dont let this be a missed opportunity with a bit more thought and forward thinking this could be a very worthwhile accessible traffic free greenway route into the town centre that will encourage cycling and walking enhancing the green agenda. Good use of Section 106 funding and an opportunity for partnership working with the Borough Council.
Accessibility should be a necessity, not something people have to petition for; please review your design for those who understand and are trying to educate you on this matter.
NR are fools, saving money to spend more later
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Network Rail and the Council have confirmed the new plans include a ramped structure that meets accessibility standards. I am now reviewing the final engineering timeline to ensure construction proceeds according to these updated designs.
March 25, 2023
Final supporters
Wokingham Town and the new Carnival leisure complex are only accessible from the South by busy roads with inadequate pavements and no cycleways.
Network Rail is planning to replace the Tanhouse temporary bridges next to the Carnival leisure complex but is intending to build a stepped structure which will be inaccessible to everyone other than fully-able pedestrians. We believe this to be contrary to their duty under Section 19 of the disabilities discrimination act. A bridge with ramps would provide safe and direct access for pedestrians of all abilities, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, families with pushchairs, cyclists and others from Molly Millars, Folly Court, Barkham, Finchampstead and Woosehill, in place of the longer and less safe alternatives.
We call upon Network Rail to work with Wokingham Borough Council to ensure the replacement Tanhouse bridge is accessible to all, and upon Wokingham Borough Council to facilitate and contribute to this scheme for the benefit of residents.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
January 14, 2023
August 10, 2022
The petition has reached 100 signatures. I am documenting these names to include in the formal correspondence I am preparing for the Wokingham Borough Council planning office.
Reached 100 supporters
August 10, 2022
99 Comments
This Bridge needs to restore the accesibility level that the original public right of way provided, whe it was a street level crossing accross the tracks. Accessibility for Cycle, Wheelchair wheeled mobility vehicles and push chairs and prams. Staired Bridges do not provide that facility level.
What is the point of building a bridge to last 125 years using Victorian legislation and not providing for today’s and tomorrow’s requirements with more people switching to active travel we need this to bridge to support access for all users able bodied, and people with disables who wheeled assistance
What century is this? If that bridge is important enough to build for people who can walk, it's important enough to build for people who can't. That crossing looks pretty important for all. James, Bracknell.
Agreed, we need ramps to be fitted at the same time as the bridges are replaced and not at a later date as this would cause more disruption additional costs and wasted money materials and resources.
As a young adult with a degenerative disability, it doesn't seem fair that people like me, people in wheelchairs, older people, parents with buggies or people with bikes should be left out
Dont let this be a missed opportunity with a bit more thought and forward thinking this could be a very worthwhile accessible traffic free greenway route into the town centre that will encourage cycling and walking enhancing the green agenda. Good use of Section 106 funding and an opportunity for partnership working with the Borough Council.
Accessibility should be a necessity, not something people have to petition for; please review your design for those who understand and are trying to educate you on this matter.
NR are fools, saving money to spend more later
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This Bridge needs to restore the accesibility level that the original public right of way provided, whe it was a street level crossing accross the tracks. Accessibility for Cycle, Wheelchair wheeled mobility vehicles and push chairs and prams. Staired Bridges do not provide that facility level.