Village divided over proposed school road closure

The proposed closure would stop traffic passing the Coombes Primary School

A village is divided over plans to permanently close a stretch of road to traffic to improve safety.

Wokingham Borough Council is looking to ban vehicles from School Road, Arborfield, near The Coombes Primary School.

Emergency services and local buses would be excluded from the ban, which has already undergone a successful trial.

The plans have received a number of letters of support and objections, leaving residents divided over proposals.

Those in support of the closure said the change would create a "more peaceful, friendly environment" and improve safety around the primary school.

One supporter wrote: "Having visited the school since 2016 for many drop-offs and pick-ups, I have witnessed so many near misses and a few actual accidents.

"I only see it as a beneficial change for the community."

Others living nearby said they "completely oppose" the closure, as it would make traffic on surrounding roads become "unrelenting".

One objector considered a permanent closure would be a "dangerous act", while another said the closure brings "no benefit" to the village.

Arborfield and Newlands Parish Council support the plan, arguing it would "improve the lives of residents".

In total, the plans received 38 letters of support and 25 objections.

Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for active travel, transport and highways Martin Alder will make a final decision on the proposals on Friday.