The Biscuit Tunnel is a passage underneath the railway that links Kenavon Drive with Napier Road.
It is used frequently by pedestrians and cyclists to go under the railway, as it is useful for people who want to go to Tesco Extra and the businesses at Forbury Retail Park.
The tunnel was a historic railway tunnel once used to transport biscuits from
the Huntley and Palmers factory, and was reopened as a convenient passage in 2015.
A Green Party-led campaign is pushing for visual and safety improvements to be made.
To that end, 190 people have signed a petition calling on Reading Borough Council to clean the tunnel and properly maintain CCTV.
Councillor David Clarke (Green, Thames), who was elected this year, assisted with collecting signatures for the petition when it was launched in July.
Councillor David Clarke (Green, Thames) has launched a petition calling on Reading Borough Council to make safety improvements at the Biscuit Tunnel underpass. (Image: Reading Green Party)
The petition was presented by Sara Fulbrook at a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 13.
She said: “The Biscuit Tunnel is frequently used by our community, but it needs improvements.
“We are calling on the council to urgently work on tackling problems.
“In 2015, the tunnel was reopened for pedestrians and cyclists.
Petition launched to improve safety at Reading railway underpass
“Since then, it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
“The tunnel is filled with dog poo, litter and graffiti, and residents have expressed concern about safety.
“We are campaigning to clean up the tunnel and make it safer for local residents.”
Sara Fulbrook, a Green Party member, speaks about her petition for improvements to the Biscuit Tunnel passage underneath the railway that links Kenavon Drive with Napier Road in Reading. (Image: Reading Borough Council)
The petitioners have asked the council to:
1) Clear the dog poo and litter. Remove weeds and cut back overgrown bushes
2) Clean the graffiti and consider a mural representing the tunnel’s historical significance
3) Improve lighting around the tunnel
4) Fix the CCTV
5) Address the annual flooding issues which make the tunnel impassable
6) Fill the small, hidden, setback area on the west side of the tunnel at the Napier Road end
The petition received a response from John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), who is the lead councillor responsible for highways.
He said: “The Biscuit Tunnel is an important walking and cycling link, and I recognise both its historical significance and the value it provides to residents.
“We are already taking action in a number of areas.
“Following the end of the bird nesting season, vegetation around the tunnel is being cut back to improve visibility and accessibility.
“The tunnel also forms part of the Council’s routine cleansing programme, and officers will continue to monitor litter, dog fouling and graffiti and take action where appropriate.”
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While he did welcome the idea of a mural being created in the tunnel, that would require external funding.
Cllr Ennis therefore suggested that funding should be sought from the Arts Council England, National Lottery funding or from the council’s Micro Grants Scheme.
He continued: “We are aware of concerns about lighting and CCTV. Officers are exploring opportunities to improve both as part of our wider asset management and improvement programmes.
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“Flooding remains the most challenging issue.
“The tunnel sits at a low level and is affected by groundwater and periods of high river levels.
“We continue to explore potential mitigation measures, but there is no simple solution.
“Finally, concerns about the recessed area at the Napier Road end are recognised.
“As this structure is owned by Network Rail, any changes would require their agreement, and officers will continue to engage with them where appropriate.
“I would also encourage residents to continue reporting issues such as litter, graffiti and dog fouling through the Love Clean Reading app, which helps us respond as quickly as possible.”
