THE closure of a main walkway in the town centre of Slough has been labelled dangerous - as residents hit out against the move.

A walkway which runs between the tail of Slough Bus Station and the A4 has closed for 12 months from this week. The council had announced the closure would take place from Wednesday, despite signage indicating it would in fact be from Monday.

The council stated it was only ever meant to be a temporary walkway and a new one, which runs around the west side of the station, has now been put in place. It will be lit and have CCTV coverage. However residents claim the new path is not user friendly.

John Keegan, from Langley, referred to the move as 'silliness' and is concerned the new path is dangerous for the elderly and disabled with buses passing close to pedestrians as they access the station.

Janice Diamond, from Langley, who uses the bus station daily, said the re-route is long-winded and she now worries about making her buses in time.

Ninety-year-old Desmond Collier, who formerly served in the Fleet Air Arm, was clearly struggling with the extra walk when the Observer spoke to him.

The Farnham Royal resident said: "It's about time they cleared it all up. I know there's jobs to be done but by god this has gone on forever."

The closure of the walkway is to facilitate the construction of the first of three large buildings by U+I - previously known as Development Securities - including underground car parking facilities.

A spokeswoman from Slough Borough Council said construction had been expected to start around the time of the bus station build, however, due to the recession, the programme was put on hold until now.

When the construction is completed a new, direct walkway will be installed on the site of the original between the tail of the bus station and the A4.

Savio DeCruz, team leader for network management, said: “Unfortunately due to the recession the buildings on this corner of the Heart of Slough were not constructed at the same time which means people have become used to the temporary walkway which will now be closed."

He said the council was working with the contractor to make sure pedestrians are safe.