Cemetery Junction arch shut for safety reasons

The monument at Cemetery Junction dates back to 1840

A Grade II listed cemetery arch that inspired the name of a Ricky Gervais film has been closed to the public for safety reasons.

Reading Borough Council said "significant defects" were identified at Cemetery Arch during planned conservation work.

The arch, which inspired the name of Ricky Gervais' film Cemetery Junction, provides the only vehicular access to the cemetery ground.

There is alternative pedestrian access via a side gate to the left of the arch.

The council said it was working on the possibility of opening another alternative entrance via the service gates on Wokingham Road, but it would require clearance work first.

It added that there would be signs directing the public once it opened.

The defects found were on the front stone gable, and the arch was closed on Thursday.

The council said its contractor, Cliveden Conservation, and structural engineers would now undertake more detailed inspections of the arch, and report back.

The planned conservation work, which included a steam clean and repainting of the fates, has been put on hold.

Micky Leng, Reading's lead councillor for planning and assets, said it was "not unusual" to find repairs were needed during restoration of historic buildings.

"Public safety will always our priority, so as a precaution the front entrance will be sealed off, pedestrian access will be available from the London Road and the gates to the rear of the cemetery will be opened in the near future," he said.