Reading towpath repairs delayed as contractor goes bust

Repairs to a towpath have been delayed after the company hired to carry out the work ceased trading.

The path between the Kenavon and Horseshoe footbridges in east Reading had been closed for restoration work, which included removing rotten wood and installing a new guardrail.

It was originally due to reopen on 22 December, but the company providing the safety railings reportedly went bust.

Reading Borough Council said a new firm had been found to complete the project.

The footway, which is a national cycle route, was undergoing a three-month long project costing £720,000.

Timber in the wall had rotted across the decades, leaving holes and voids beneath the footway, Reading Borough Council said.

A spokesperson said the authority was "hopeful" the necessary railings could be put into place quickly and that the route would still reopen before Christmas.

But temporary barriers would be built to allow the towpath to be open for the festive period, should work overrun, the authority added.

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