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A local drone pilot has spotted what looks like new sustainable urban drainage installations newly installed above Llantarnam Drive. We thought we'd share the pictures with you (we've blotted out the garden features). Whatever they're for - we hope they work! 
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Unwelcome news has come through the post
Readers of this site will remember that we reported this month that the above Royal Mail site was likely to close for good. This was revealed to us in a letter from the company's Public Affairs Manager.
We wrote to Royal Mail again, setting out our concerns about the proposed closure, as follows: 
Alas, we were unable to convince Royal Mail of our case - and today we received this letter, conveying the news that the Gwaelod depot would be no more:
As you can see, the letter promises an effective service for those who are out when the postman calls. We can but hope that this will prove to be the case. And, indeed, we can see no reason why not.
It just remains for us to invite you to enjoy this suitably themed song by that great band from the 60s and 70s, the Beatles: With Covid, the cold weather - and dark nights, it helps sometimes to remember that we live in a great part of Cardiff. Just to remind us of this, here are some photographs taken during yesterday's snow. With thanks to the Golf Club which continues to welcome the public as they enjoy the public rights of way that cross the golf course. Stay safe!  The new sign at the north end of the lane Motorists will have to bid a fond farewell to Golf Club Lane, which has now been closed to traffic (except for Golf Club vehicles needing access to its storage facility at the north end of the lane - etc) Road closure signs are in place, which will shortly be followed by bollards. Although this may inconvenience some drivers, it has become increasingly clear that this narrow, twisting road is unsuitable for traffic - and that cars using the lane present a danger to pedestrians and golfers. As such, we welcome this move (a position that was supported by an online survey we published in 2019, where 60% of respondents favoured closure).  Yes! It really was a 60mph speed limit! But now it will be safe for walkers and golfers.  Read our survey results! Transport for Wales Proposals; Survey report Headline The majority of respondents believe that the potential benefits of the scheme (such as more trains and better facilities for the Radyr Rangers) will justify the disturbance the community is likely to face during the two-year construction period. Introduction Following Transport for Wales' recent announcement with regard to electrification works that would affect Radyr and Morganstown residents, we arranged an online survey to find out what our community thinks about the proposals. You can read more about the survey - and TfW's proposals, here. The survey asked for your opinions about the negative aspects of the scheme (such as noise and traffic) and possible positive aspects (such as more frequent trains and improved facilities for the Radyr Rangers). The main survey results are discussed below. Survey Administration The survey was opened on 24 November 2020. It was advertised on the R&MCC and RMA websites, the Radyr Chain and on local social media sites. As of 9 December, a total of 220 responses had been received. These included 118 responses from Morganstown residents who recorded that they live near the proposed Morganstown compound - and 24 from Radyr residents who recorded that they live near near the proposed Radyr compound. There were 104 responses from people who claim to live near the railway (this could be anywhere alongside the railway lines that traverse R&M). Key Summary of Responses The majority of respondents believe that the potential benefits of the scheme (such as more trains and better facilities for the Radyr Rangers) will justify the disturbance the community is likely to face during the two-year construction period. This is true for all respondents (53% yes, 25% no, 21% not sure) as well as those who record that they live near the proposed compounds. For all respondents, the ratio is 2:1 in favour of the benefits. For Morganstown residents it is 5:3 in favour (49% yes, 29% no, 21% not sure). Noise at night is the main concern, with 70% of Morganstown residents concerned or extremely concerned about this. Noise during the day - and lights at night - are also of concern. Most respondents feel that TfW should offer direct support for those affected by the works, with strong support for double / triple glazing, blackout blinds and financial compensation. There is no clear majority in favour of moving either compound. Morganstown residents being 50% in favour of moving - and 49% content for it to be in Morganstown. There is even less support for moving the Radyr compound (34% in favour, 65% against). There is significant support for improvements that would benefit the Radyr Rangers (78% support for better pitches and 78% support for improved facilities). 64% agree that a new clubhouse should include a space for wider community use (suggestions include family events, youth clubs, yoga classes, a meeting space for local groups and organisations, barbecues and social events, indoor sports, parent / toddler groups. A playground for children was also suggested). 79% would welcome improving the access road to the Mound field - and 59% would welcome more car-parking spaces. 85% support improving the presentation of the ancient monument at the Mound field. On completion of the TfW works, 64% would like to see it return to a 'green space' and 52% would support a second pitch for the Radyr Rangers. Only 2% support building houses on the site. 67% agree that the pedestrian crossing will be unsafe, as more trains travel along the railway. 55% agree that a bridge is therefore needed - with a fairly even split between those who think the bridge should be suitable for vehicles (36%) and 40% who do not. 57% of Morganstown residents would use a Morganstown train halt. Key Data In the following section, all percentage points have been rounded up or down. All of the following refer to the total number of responses received, except when specific references to responses from Morganstown or Radyr residents are included (these are residents who recorded that they live near the compounds). With regard to noise during the day: 15% extremely concerned 31% concerned 53% not concerned Morganstown 19% extremely concerned 31% concerned 48% not concerned Radyr 4% extremely concerned 43% concerned 52% not concerned With regard to noise at night: 40% extremely conceder 29% concerned 30% notnot concerned Morganstown 43% extremely concerned 27% concerned 29% not concerned Radyr 47% extremely concerned 43% concerned 8% not concerned With regard to night-time light pollution 21% extremely concerned 25% concerned 53% not concerned Morganstown 25% extremely concerned 24% concerned 49% not concerned Radyr 13% extremely concerned 30% concerned 56% not concerned With regard to direct support from TfW for residents affected by noise and light 79% agree direct support should be offered 20% do not agree Morganstown 77% agree direct support should be offered 22% do not agree Radyr 87% agree direct support should be offered 13% do not agree What type of support should be offered? 60% double / triple glazing 55% blackout blinds 61% Financial compensation Should the Morganstown compound be located elsewhere? 43% yes 56% no Morganstown 50% yes 49% no Should the Radyr compound be located elsewhere? 34% yes 65% no Radyr Rangers better pitches 78% welcome Radyr Rangers better facilities 78% welcome Morganstown 77% welcome Should these facilities include space for wider community use? 64% agree 22% we already have enough community space Morganstown 66% agree 21% we already have enough community space Improved access to the Mound Field 79% useful 10% not important Car parking 59% more needed 39% stay the same Improve the mound 85% good idea Use of Mound Field on completion of the works 64% green space 52% second pitch 2% housing New bridge 67% crossing will be unsafe 55% agree bridge is necessary 36% bridge for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists 40% pedestrians and cyclists only Diversion of iron bridge 57% happy 22% unhappy Radyr 52% unhappy 17% happy Increased number of trains 51% welcome 43% use train more often Radyr 48% welcome 21% use train. re often Morganstown halt 48% would use 52% would not Morganstown 57% would use 42% would not Are the potential benefits worth the disruption? 53% yes 25% no 21% not sure Morganstown 49% yes 29% no 21% not sure Radyr 52% yes 21% no 26% not sure Next steps: In its meeting on 16 December the Community Council agreed agreed the following:
Here are the questions we sent to TfW. We await their answers: 
Here are some more details from our survey:
 It looks like our Royal Mail service will deteriorate Having promised once not to close the Gwaelod-y-Garth sorting office, the enclosed letter strongly suggests that it will do so, early in the New Year. Readers will remember that the office closed in early 2020, following serious flooding. Since then we have urged the Royal Mail to reopen the Gwaelod office - but it would seem that our plea fell on deaf ears. Our letter to them is copied, below. In the meantime, this is the advice they gave to Cllr Rod McKerlich: Royal Mail: “Should one your constituents not be at home when we attempt to deliver an item first time, we do attempt to deliver to a neighbour. However, if this is not possible I would like to reassure you that customers do not have to visit a Customer Service Point to collect these items if they are not able to or do not wish to do so. Customers can arrange a redelivery free of charge on a day that is convenient for them (including Saturdays), or Royal Mail can deliver the item to a different address within the same postcode area. This service can be arranged by calling the number on the “Something for You” card we leave or by visiting www.royalmail.com/redelivery.” Closure of the Gwaelod office will not be a good day for Radyr and Morganstown residents. In the meantime, we have once again asked Mark Drakeford and Kevin Brennan if they can help keep the office open. We will also be writing to the Royal Mail asking how they could defend such a decision based on any test of providing good, convenient customer services.   |
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