Here's Ralph's report for the next Radyr Chain

These last three months have seen a great deal of activity. Council were delighted to welcome the First Minister, Mr Mark Drakeford,  to the January meeting .In his introductory remarks, the Minister stated that he would be recommending a 20m p h  speed limit in all residential areas, towns and cities throughout Wales. Several prepared questions were asked. All were pertaining to our areas. These questions  included road safety and transport infrastructure,  the possible increase in both atmospheric and noise pollution,  health care and education facilities associated with the forthcoming increase in the local  population, the future role  of Community Councils,  housing and the position of landlords who provide tenancies for vulnerable people. .He would consider these questions and send responses.  Some have arrived and are available for residents at the Council Office.  He also accepted an invitation from the Council that Mr Kevin Brennan, the local M P and he, held two political surgeries  every year in our community as well as those regularly  held at the Cardiff West Constituency  Office. The dates for these surgeries have now been confirmed as Friday, the 5th of April and Friday the 4th of October 2019 between 1700-H and 18-00 H at the Old Church Rooms. Further information can be obtained from the Council Secretariat or at the  Cardiff West Constituency Office.
Road safety THROUGHOUT Radyr and Morganstown remains a Council priority. In the last newsletter, I reported that a Council delegation had met with Mr Paul Carter at the Planning Department. As yet, there has been no further correspondence. However ,following several complaints, I met with Mr Gavin Colman from the Highways Department and inspected three sites. The first was the hedgerow running from the motorway bridge upwards towards the Scout Hall. The hedge needs cutting back as it has grown onto the pavement Secondly ,the area on Windsor Road where there is neither a pavement nor an official crossing. Thirdly, the dreadful state of the pavement from Ffordd Las down to the entrance to the Golf Club. A report is awaited.The  state of Bethel Chapel and the graveyard along side is not only an eye sore but also an insult to those who have been interred . Councillor McKerlich and I have dispatched letters to those who are responsible for this  quite disgraceful state of affairs.
It is a pleasure to report that the Council has  supported   various local developments. Grants have been awarded to the Parents Teachers Associations at both primary schools and to the very successful Cricket Club. The latter  have plans to increase their facilities and the Council will assist with a grant of £13,000-00 [which will cover 10% of the development costs ]. It is a pleasure to record that several of their female playing members have been awarded national honours. All the local schools have received books written in English and Welsh  regarding  World War One. Lastly, your Council is supporting the  Radyr and Morganstown Festival which will commence in May this year.  
Residents will recall that your Council supported the establishment of the Radyr Tap. Not only has this venture been successful but it also provides an additional service to the Community. With this in mind, a letter is being been sent to the person responsible for the old Spar shopping area, to encourage the development of  the premises  to  bring another service to the Community.
There are several developments about to commence at The Old Church Rooms [O C R ] which is much used by residents and  many  societies .The first is repairs to the roof which has developed a leak. The second is to replace the carpet in the Garth Room which is much used by many different groups. The third is the replacement of apparatus in  the all important kitchen. Finally, a new retaining wall will be built at the east end of the building. At times, car parking can be a problem at the O C R particularly at school times. It is of particular concern during the times when the Nursery School Pupils are in residence and later in the day when the after school activities commence. Residents are respectfully asked to consider these  activities and avoid parking in the  O C R carpark.
The environment activities in the community are reduced due to  Springtime  and, in particular, by  the onset of bird nesting. However, the work at Pentwyn Park continues so that the pathways are free of large puddles .A retaining wall behind the commercial area  is in the planning stage.  Furthermore, work continues on the Pilgrims Way as it traverses Radyr. It is hoped that this way, starting in Llandaf and ending at the site of the Holy Virgin at Penrhys, will be opened later this year. 
The improvements at the Drovers Way Play area are proceeding albeit at a slower pace than anticipated, The organisers, who have worked hard and raised  considerable funds, are still awaiting confirmation of an input from Redrow .Your Council will also contribute financially to this development with a grant of £5,000. The civil engineering works at the south end of Heol Isaf continue to be  a source of frustration to residents who need to travel to their places of work. It is hoped that the delays experienced by residents and other motorists will decrease in the near future.
The 50+ lunch club, held on alternate Wednesdays, continues to welcome its many guests. All are welcome. The lunch is usually followed by a talk from a speaker on his/her favoured subject What is required currently, are more volunteers   to pick up and return  attendees to their homes .Council are very grateful to Councillor Huw Jones and Mrs Hashumati Patel for their enthusiasm and dedication which has led to the increasing popularity. Further information can be obtained from the Council Office.
It is a pleasure to welcome the Reverend Vicki Burrows to the Parish. I am sure that all residents will look forward to  meeting  her  and hope that her term of office will be both pleasurable and rewarding.
This will be my last newsletter to residents as Chairman of the Council. I do hope these letters have been of benefit. I would very much like to thank my fellow councillors for their considerable help and support over the last two years. Finally, I am deeply indebted to the senior clerks, Mrs Ceri Mortimer and Ms Lynne Thomas. I would also like to pay my considerable thanks to our Assistant Clerk, Mrs Julie Hopkins, who ran our office most efficiently between the departure of Mrs Mortimer and the appointment of Ms Thomas.