The redevelopment of California Crossroads in Finchampstead by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is scheduled to last until September 2024. The roadworks have drastically reduced access to the local shops and businesses at the crossroads and in the surrounding area. At least a 40% drop in trade is already being reported.

These businesses are at the centre of the community, providing vital local services to residents of Finchampstead, including the local Post Office. They desperately need support to survive this shift in circumstances well beyond their control. Despite this, WBC has failed to compensate the shops for the loss of business directly caused by the Council's actions.

As local residents who will be most affected should we lose these services permanently due to the downturn in trade, it is essential that we now intervene and call on WBC to change its position and compensate the businesses at California Crossroads, either directly or through significant reductions in rates, for the crippling loss of trade caused by the redevelopment.