A STRETCH of a major road through Wokingham town centre is due to be closed for three months from next week.

Denmark Street, from the Carnival pool roundabout to the junction with Langborough Road, and the footpath will be closed from Monday, May 21 to allow contractors to widen the road and footpath as part of the larger Elms Field redevelopment works.

The controversial development would see a cinema, shops, supermarket and homes built on and around Elms Field.

Contractors McLaughlin & Harvey will also start working on the area next to the Carnival Pool roundabout over the next week, with the hoardings being moved closer to Wellington Road, and a temporary pedestrian route set up.

Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for business and economic development and regeneration, Cllr Stuart Munro said: "Since starting on site we’ve spent a lot of time discussing the works around the town and meeting with key stakeholders such as local residents associations and the town council. These meetings have helped us look at the best ways to keep people updated. It has also given us the opportunity to better manage the works to minimise disruption as much as possible to the town.

“During this first phase of construction we will need to carry out a range of works at the bottom of Denmark Street. To do this we need to close the Denmark Street lane and footpath immediately adjacent to the site between the Carnival roundabout and the junction with Langborough Road. This will allow for essential utilities work and the eventual widening of this narrow section of road and footpath. We’ve decided to do this work at the same time as the Market Place to reduce the inconvenience to road users and residents.

"Whilst we recognise any further traffic restrictions in the town centre will be unwelcome, this work needs to be carried out urgently to allow Elms Field development to progress. By co-ordinating this work alongside the existing Denmark Street closure we reduce the overall time restrictions need to be in place and reduce impact for the majority of road users who are already being diverted away from this section of road.”