Concerns have been raised over unauthorised roadworks on a roundabout near a Bracknell Tesco superstore.

Councillors have complained that a utility company is conducting works and installed multi-way traffic lights without a permit at the Whitegrove Roundabout in Warfield.

The roundabout is near the Tesco Superstore in County Lane, Warfield and many drivers use the roundabout to get to the store, particularly on the west-east route of Harvest Ride.

The issue has been raised by councillors Robert McLean and Sandra Ingham, both Conservative representatives for Warfield Harvest Ride.

The councillors met Bracknell Forest Council chief executive Susan Halliwell to observe the issue first-hand on Friday, January 6.

Cllr McLean said: “The roadworks were put in place before Christmas, but no permit was issued, so they had not been authorised.

“It’s caused significant delays, the signage in place is not in line with the council’s requirements, it was all really below par.

“Residents are quite rightly frustrated.

Bracknell News: The Whitegrove Roundabout in Warfield, the junction of of Harvest Ride, Maize Lane, County Lane and Gough’s Lane. Credit: Google MapsThe Whitegrove Roundabout in Warfield, the junction of of Harvest Ride, Maize Lane, County Lane and Gough’s Lane. Credit: Google Maps

“There’s also an issue with remedial works, to make sure the grass verges are brought back up to par.

“The traffic lights broke down last night, you can imagine how much aggro that caused to residents.”

Cllr McLean will also raise the issue in a question at the upcoming full Bracknell Forest Council meeting on Wednesday, January 11.

The works are being undertaken by contractors for internet infrastructure company CityFibre. 

Neil Madle, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Bracknell, said: “CityFibre is investing £20m to transform Bracknell’s digital infrastructure and bring next generation full fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the town. This is a major undertaking, which is why we work closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to manage disruption as best we can and ensure works are delivered quickly, and always to our high standards.  
 
"We were and remain permitted to carry out works in the Whitegrove Roundabout area, which commenced on January 4. Our build team is making good progress and the traffic lights will be reduced to a two-way signal on Saturday, January 7 which should help ease congestion.

“We would like to thank residents and commuters for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of these works. We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community to date while we future-proof Bracknell’s digital infrastructure.”