WORK to improve the junction of Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road has started.

Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Borough Council are working in tandem to improve the intersection, after residents and motorists raised concerns about safety and visibility.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Bracknell Forest Council transport leader, said: "Our residents and road users have been telling us that this junction needs improving and so, in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council, we are undertaking safety work there this week to improve visibility at the junction.

"The work is being carried out off-peak and within the school summer holidays in order to minimise disruption. However, as with all major road works, some disruption is inevitable."

Two large oak trees will be felled and vegetation cleared so visibility will increase to approximately 120 metres for drivers exiting Easthampstead Road. This is nearly 100 metres more than the current visibility.

There will be off-peak road closures in place so that the work can be carried out as quickly and safely as possible. The work is necessary to improve the safety of the junction for all road users and to meet Department for Transport standards.

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for strategic planning and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, added: "It has taken a long time to overcome all obstacles but the two councils have been determined to win through and make it a safer junction."

Access to residents and businesses will be maintained at all times and diversion routes in place where necessary.

The work began on Monday and will take place every day, 9.30am-4pm, until Friday, August 16.

After the work has been completed, signs on the junction will be reviewed to ensure that they do not obscure the view of motorists.