A Wokingham road worker has been hit by a disgruntled driver whilst setting up traffic control for road closures at California Cross.

The physical assault happened on Wednesday, February 14 when the driver intentionally hit the worker with his vehicle before fleeing the scene.

This comes after news that two roads in Finchampstead would be closed for seven months to rebuild the junction from the ground up.

The council has reported that throughout the last few days, workers have experienced several verbal and physical abuse, including threats of being stabbed and punched.

The violence towards these workers has been described as ‘completely unacceptable’.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways said: “These hardworking people have been threatened with stabbing and intentionally hit by a car just for doing their job.

“Road workers are there to do a job and to earn a living. How would the rest of us like it if our lives were threatened while we were just doing our jobs?

“This is completely unacceptable and we will use every power available to us to prosecute those responsible for such reprehensible behavior.

“And, to those who are going around intentionally stirring up trouble in the area, I am asking you to stop and think of the consequences of what you are doing.”

Workers have been assigned body cameras to capture any incidents and supply them to police for prosecution.

The works at California Cross, which started this week are being completed by the council with hopes of improving the area for pedestrians, redesigning access to the parking areas, and installing attractive new streetlights.

As part of the first phase, Finchampstead Road will be closed from the Ratepayers Hall to the crossroads and Nine Mile Ride will be closed from just past Gorse Ride to the crossroads.

SGN has also been carrying out emergency works to repair a dangerous gas leak on The Ridges.