Cllr Rod McKerlich: June 2020

Highways issues:  Work has begun to install a pavement on the west side of the bend at the top of Windsor Road. Work on new zebra crossings and 20mph speed limit on Heol Isaf was due to begin this month but has been delayed for 2-3 months due to Covid-19; the Road Traffic Order has  been approved. There is local concern about the pelican crossing in the village being replaced by a zebra crossing: there are no current plans to do this and if it were ever suggested, in the future, there would be a necessary, prior, local consultation. Redrow have started a phased return to work so there will be an early resumption of work at south end of Heol Isaf. I was asked if I wanted to propose any temporary measures in the centre of the village e.g. placing movable bollards to prevent parking on the south side of Station Road to create more space for pedestrians; this type of action has not been popular in other areas and in Wellfield Road, it had a damaging effect on shops. I will listen to any balanced proposal from residents on this topic.

Longer-term developments on village centre. I have made the following request to highways officers: “Can you set up a proper appraisal of traffic flows and car parking in the area which encompasses Station Road, Kings Road, Kings Avenue, Radyr Station, Windsor Crescent and De Clare drive and propose a holistic solution. I am receiving requests for short-term expedients arising from the Covid 19 situation. Furthermore, I regularly get suggestions of ad hoc measures relating to a single small area. As you know, the area I describe is a very important shopping area as the current emergency makes clear; we do not want to undermine the businesses who operate there and, indeed, we would like to support them by making Station Road more attractive. However, there are other issues such as Radyr Station, the access needs of nearly 800 properties, car parking and increased numbers of cyclists, pedestrians and joggers. I would welcome your thoughts”

Local Development Plan: there is broad cross party agreement for a complete review of this plan in the next year. Whatever may be claimed elsewhere, it is not possible to repeal the current plan but the process provides for regular review and this can be comprehensive.

Cardiff City Centre; those planning to drive into Cardiff  should check the new street configurations especially the closure of Castle Street; there will be many other changes designed to enhance the offer to shoppers and pedestrians.

Education matters: The new primary school on Plasdwr is likely to be a dual- Welsh and English medium school despite a strong attempt to make it purely Welsh medium. This school was intended to be open in September 2020, which drifted to September 2021, and now may be delayed to September 2022 due to covid-19 delays to building work. I have stated that intensive work is needed to stick to opening in2021. I have received several comments on the provision of education in our local schools during lockdown In each case, I have passed these to the LEA and the schools if that was the wish of the correspondent.

Heavy vehicles on Heol Isaf: This has been a big local concern and I have been involved in lengthy discussions on a resolution. Cardiff Council is close to finalising a novel solution, the first such measure to be implemented in the UK. The proposal will see the current weight restriction removed and instead replaced with a restriction that prohibits HGVs from using the length of road between Pugh’s and Fford Treforgan - unless that HGV has a permit. Permits will be issued for legitimate access to the area: an enforcement camera will be installed, and any HGV without a permit will receive a penalty charge notice. This means that enforcement will be continuous and SWP will no longer need to undertake enforcement.  This is expected to be effective in the autumn when legalities and consultation is completed.

Waste collections: several residents reported missed collections, in some cases on multiple occasions. When I have reported these, the omission was repaired. Garden waste collections will resume during July. Recycling centres are open and accepting almost the full range of items. There is an increased incidence of fly tipping during lockdown; if paying for waste removal, please ensure that the contractor supplies a waste transfer note.

Drains/flooding: recent heavy rain produced some flooding. If you see blocked drains please advise me of the exact location and I will arrange clearance.

Radyr Library; this was not made a “hub” in the first wave of such creations. When our library was elevated, I was pleased because that reduced the risk of falling victim to any future cost cutting. Now four hubs have reopened and the next to open will be in Llanishen. Radyr library will be opened in the final phase; to those who regard this as unfair I point out that we do not qualify as “areas identified with the greatest need for advice and support over this period.

Pact issues: Off-road motor cyclists have been a regular problem in this area but, in mid-June, the nuisance escalated when a motor bike was employed as an instrument of serious assault. This is in the hands of the local police; on a different matter, the local police have attended on a few occasions to deal with large gatherings of youths at various local spots.

Local sports clubs: I am pleased that play is once again possible at tennis and golf clubs and the cricket club is hoping to resume when regulations permit and when they have recovered from recent floods.

Lord Mayoralty: At the May meeting of Cardiff Council, I was appointed Lord Mayor Elect; in normal times, I would be in post but the start of my term is postponed, probably until late autumn, due to Covid-19. I thank the many residents who have sent congratulations to Sue and me. Some expressed the fear that I would not be able to offer residents the prompt and effective support they have come to expect from me. I can reassure you that when I assume office I will relinquish my position on several committees I serve and that will free up enough time for my normal ward functions.

County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 22nd June 2020
e-mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk    phone 20842764