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Play area: Residents of Parc Radur will know that the waterlogged play area became the source of severe flooding of the tennis club and a house on Heol Isaf; severe damage was done to the tennis courts. CCTV inspection has revealed the various causes of this flooding and it is clear that major work (in addition to that already determined) is needed to deal with these. I walked the area with members of the appointed sub-committee and the tennis club; we made strong recommendations to Council officers and now await their response. We are very grateful for the various contributions, which have been promised, but these may be dwarfed by the consequent costs. In fairness, Cardiff Council did not design or install the existing drainage system.
Other Play areas: those at Fisher Hill Way and Cwm Farm are open or about to open. Highway Issues: work will start in late August to install the three new Zebra Crossings on Heol Isaf and create the 20mph zone. The much-needed pavement on Windsor Road is complete. The closure of Golf Club Lane has been slightly deferred. I conferred with highways officers about the configuration of the temporary slip road at the junction of Heol Isaf and Llantrisant road. It was clearly dangerous and additional signage was needed, as was the strimming of the vegetation, which obscured the line of vision. Officers offered to improve social distancing on the north side of Station Road by removing the car parking spaces and installing bollards. I declined, as we need these car parking spaces. That suggestion could be workable if parking time limits were enforced but this would require a meter system. I welcome comments on the judgment I made. Radyr Library: is now partially reopened Waste Management: several missed collections were due to relief crews collecting but sometimes due to refuse vehicles being obliged to return to the depot due to unusually high amount of refuse. Residents can now access recycling centres. Anti-fly tipping measures are now reinstated and you should only employ properly authorised companies to dispose of domestic refuse. Youth issues: I have received many comments about the large gangs who have roamed some areas of the ward. The community council and I have discussed this with the local police (at senior level) and the transport police; we are not demonising our local youth or those who come here to socialise with them. However, we cannot condone vandalising cars, dumping of large quantities of rubbish on private land and disturbing residents in the early hours. As a community, we must rely on our police to control this and we must ask parents to support the police in this regard. Taff Trail Signage: I have asked for more signage to assist the many users of our footpaths on both sides of the River Taff County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 27th July 2020 E-mail: rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764
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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 1. Bench Location, Fforrdd Treforgan, Morganstown
The Environment Committee asked me to scope the best location. This is agreed and I am providing coordinates. 2. Bethel Chapel and Graveyard, Morganstown I have facilitated a meeting of 14 local residents to discuss concerns about the impoverished condition of Bethel Chapel and its graveyard. I also invited Cllr Cook and Charles, as fellow Morganstown Ward Councillors. Local residents may form a Trust to look after the graveyard and are looking to secure the building's future. I spoke to the owner; he will consider selling the site to the community or a private developer or business. Whilst, not a formal RMCC group, in depth minutes are available on request. Community Councillors will be invited to visit the site. 3. Memorial Stone Bus Shelter, Morganstown Local Consultation: I have visited and described the proposal to householders in Graig Wen and 14 residents at the Bethel Chapel group. The response has been 100% positive! Residents have started an FB group to gather stories of local people and this will be linked to a film project from JOMEC. I have had cost indications from similar projects and they are within the proposed budget. 4. Update on Roadside Improvement Scheme, Radyr and Morganstown 4. i. Learning Walk: The Road Safety Working Group had hoped to undertake a learning walk, to visualise Roadside Improvements for all of Radyr and Morganstown, to augment Cardiff Council's Road Improvement Scheme. The walk is 6 miles, from Ynys Bridge to Llantrisant Road and back and also taking in Bryn Derwen and De Clare Drive. However, the weather has been rather inclement! If any Councillors would like to join us, please advise. 4. ii. Community Lamp Post Banners: Cardiff Council's Transport Minister and Transport Department have agreed to receive our proposals for Community Banners on Lamp posts to build a 'Village-feel' and reinforce Radyr and Morganstown as a 20mph and 'Active-Travel' Village. 4. iii. 20mph Competition Design: Sustrans, Living Streets and Brake have agreed to provide staff/volunteers to visit all 5 Schools to promote our 20mph Design competition. Head Teachers and Art Teachers have also welcomed it. A report will be provided for the March Council. 4. iv. Community Message Banners: Cardiff's Transport Minister and Transport Department are very keen to work with the Community Council in delivering this local infrastructure, to build social consensus on road safety, active travel and a village-feel. A meeting is being arranged to discuss permissions and the parameters of the project, such as advertising and road safety enhancement. I will liaise with Finance on any updates on costs. 4. iv. Village Entry Planter Motif/Message: Pugh's have agreed to meet to discuss sponsoring, developing and maintaining the 'Village-entry' Planter Design at Ffordd Treforgan. 4. v. Memorial Shelter Feasibility Actions: following consultations and a Land Registry Search, I am working with the Welsh Office on potential for land transfer; also, with Welsh Water and BT on groundworks issues. Cemex have been approached for contributions in kind. I have spoken with local Stone Mason, Paul Griffiths, who will give advice and assistance. His family helped build MVH. He built the Lime Kilns' arches and Memorial Stone, with contributions from the Cemex Quarry. I have retained the interest of the Architect/Artist who we would like to instruct to develop the Memorial Stone Bus Shelter and patio with active travel features in Morganstown. Should we wish to proceed, she will re-quote, directly to the Clerk. I have connected with the Public Relations Manager at Cemex and will meet soon. 4. vi. Road Improvement Stage One: An 'are you ready for 20mph' feature is will be submitted to the Radyr Chain, May edition, to inform and educate residents on the new crossings and speed limit., to increase compliance. Traffic Matters: ongoing work at the south end of Heol Isaf is described by Plasdwr as:
“From w/c March 2nd our contractors, Alun Griffiths, will start removing the current Heol Isaf roundabout and replacing it with a new, four-way signalised junction as part of the infrastructure improvements for Plasdwr. While this work is taking place, the two original lanes on Llantrisant Road will be closed and traffic will use the newly constructed lanes on the northern side of the carriageway, where a temporary mini roundabout will be created allowing traffic to travel as normal along Llantrisant Road. Traffic travelling from Heol Isaf will be able to use the temporary roundabout to turn right onto Llantrisant Road, heading towards Llantrisant. To head left towards Cardiff, traffic from Heol Isaf will use the newly constructed slip road to bypass the roundabout altogether. There will be no left turn at the roundabout for traffic coming from Heol Isaf. These arrangements are expected to be in place until the new junction is complete in summer 2020” The closure for 11 weeks of Heol Pant y Gored will mainly inconvenience residents of Pentyrch and Creigiau but it will add to traffic on Heol Isaf; this could have been managed better with some local consultation. Cardiff Council has issued a white paper on traffic issues and it contains some good ideas while suffering from no information on how to pay for necessary measures such as the Metro. Council budget: this will be set at the end of February and a consultation document is available in Radyr Library. Footpath 41: this footpath from Plasdwr to the steps on Heol Isaf near Radyr Comp is well used but the surface is in a poor state. I have requested an inexpensive upgrade. Radyr Library: In addition to existing range, it now hosts “digital sessions” each Friday between 2 and 4 Planning application 20/00187: R+MCC and I are working with community representatives from Danescourt and Llandaff to oppose this application for De Braose Close; it would impact Radyr Woods. Coronavirus: Cardiff Council is working with Public Health Wales; I can provide a link Bryn Deri: Staff and pupils are to be commended on another fine inspection report all our local schools are in green category Welsh Water: investigation of the local water network may result in brown discolouration of tap water; this is harmless but I can give contact details to any concerned resident. Storm Dennis: the cricket ground is flooded and various trees have been blown b down but we are lucky to have suffered less than near neighbours. We thank council staff and emergency workers who gave quick responses. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 14th February 2020 E-mail : rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone: 20842764 Traffic Matters: it is envisaged the 3 new zebra crossings on our main road will be installed by end May unless there is difficulty in getting a contractor who can meet that schedule. The TRO and subsequent work to set a 20mph limit in R+M excluding Parc Radur will be completed at the same time. I am in discussion with Council officers about a possible means of making it much less attractive for HGVs to make illicit use of our main road; checks on feasibility are well advanced. As previously advised I have asked that a protocol be set to ensure proper consultation before developers or utilities disrupt pedestrians or motorists to a significant extent. I requested NO2 monitoring on our main roads and 2 testing points are now operational; they confirm that current levels are well below the concern level and it will be useful to see the effects (beneficial or otherwise) of proposed changes to traffic management. If this testing were augmented by testing pf particulate levels, it would be even more useful. I have pointed out flooding points on Llantrisant Road near Plasdwr and Goitre Fach developments. There is a current public consultation on the longstanding need for a pavement on the west side of the Windsor Road bend because of concerns expressed by R+MCC and me.
Electoral Review: Radyr and Morganstown has been well served by Cllr Marion Drake and, since 2008, by me but we were both serving over 5000 demanding electors, well over the Cardiff average, Successful representations by R+MCC and me, resulted in a decision that from 2022 this ward will elect 2 County Councillors. Green waste missed collection: Christmas trees will be collected on your area’s scheduled garden waste collection. If residents were able to chop their tree up, we would ask that they do and place it into their green bin for collection. However, if they are unable to do this, Christmas trees should be placed alongside their bin for collection. Plasdwr hydrology concerns: I have been raising longstanding concerns about localised flooding in Parc Radur and the relevance of these concerns to planned development in Plasdwr. I have now raised this again and demanded that this issue be discussed at planning committee as a matter of urgency. Budget consultation: Outlines of Cardiff Council budget for 2020-21 are available and public consultation is invited LDP review: November Cardiff Council approved consulting on a full review of the LDP (essentially to create a new LDP) and a full LDP review is the right approach in view of the failures of the current one! I spoke in favour of a full review pointing out these failures. Changes to bus service to R+M: When I became County Councillor in 2008, the service was 2 per hour and went to Cardiff via Fairwater and Canton, taking 45 minutes. I lobbied Cardiff bus for a better service and 3 services going direct with a journey time of 23 minutes was introduced. Regrettably, this has not produced greater usage of the bus service. I agree that cutting services is not a sensible way of encouraging bus usage but I am an opposition Councillor with little control over the Council budget to offer a subsidy. While Cardiff Council owns Cardiff Bus, it is run at arm’s length and has been told to remove the annual deficit. I append the reply I got when I queried proposed reduction in service: “In a round of changes in 2019 we planned to reduce the 63 Radyr service back to 2 buses/hour – from a financial performance of the route that is all it could withstand. We didn’t implement the change at that time as we were awaiting the commencement of the S106 Goitre Fach Farm to start so would have been 2 changes in quick succession. As with all things the Goitre Fach Farm date moved and we now a fixed start date which is a little later than we had expected. The information is here; https://www.cardiffbus.com/new-62-route-and-changes-service-63 Rather than having a change to put the Radyr service to a frequency that finically it could sustain, we held slightly to not have two changes in succession that would have been unnecessarily disruptive so delayed the planned reduction to 2 buses per hour. New first school on Plasdwr; following consultation, the recommendation is to proceed with a two-stream school as set out I the original proposal. Graffiti/ fly tipping; A number of incidents occurred and were resolved speedily One kissing gate was repaired and another awaits repair. Library events: The next litter pick is on Monday 20th January between 10 and 11.30.There are a number of regular events in the library including coffee mornings, bridge lessons and a bridge club. Check next time you visit the library. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 16th January 2020 e-mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 Traffic / LDP: I have issued a detailed explanation of the traffic chaos caused by traffic lights on Llantrisant Road and I have set out how these must be managed. The problem was created by a lack of local consultation prior to giving permission for the lights and by altering the management regime without discussing it with me or even notifying me; the operation of the lights continues to be monitored and I continue to stress the imperative need for better vetting of temporary lights. At October Council, I spoke in the debate about the LDP to set out the full extent of the ongoing upheaval and to point out that it was passed in the face of strong local opposition which I was glad to lead.
Play areas: The Fisher Hill Way refurbishment is about to start and should be completed by Christmas; this was financed using s106 money. The Drovers Way play area will be refurbished in the early part of 2020 using funds from a variety of sources. This has been a lengthy process as is inevitable when funding for non-statutory functions is cut to the bone. It is to the credit of the different involved parties that this will finally be achieved. NO2 monitoring: I hope to hear soon that a monitoring point (s) will be located on our main road to enable us to assess both current pollution and the future impact of planned changes to our main thoroughfare. Radyr Weir: the hydro –electric scheme is not functional due to vibration on the lower bearings of the Archimedes screws. This needs checking and repair. Fostering: Cardiff Council has nearly 1000 looked after children and there are opportunities for paid foster carers to assist these young people by welcoming them into a caring home. I will gladly arrange for any interested persons to meet the officers who can describe all aspects of the role including training, advice and support. Waste Collection: This continues to be erratic with some areas being particularly susceptible to being missed. I have raised the difficulties that arise from no garden waste collection in early January but this has not yet been reinstated. Street Naming: a new consultation is likely to lead to a significant increase in street names expressed in Welsh Radyr Library: The Library is now hosting a big range of other activities without diluting its traditional role; call in and enquire about Yoga, bridge, making Christmas wreaths, coffee mornings, litter picks an many other activities. Saverio Florimonte: the host of our local restaurant, Cicchetti, was invited to become the national secretary for Wales of A.I.M.; this is a worldwide organisation, which leads and supports the local Italian community in its interaction with the wider community. It is a great honour for Saverio. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 16th November 2019 E-mail: rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 Highway issues: Further to last month’s report, I have made the case for monitoring air quality on a continuous basis at 2 locations on our main road.
Metro project; the optimum solution to volume of traffic, average speed, gaseous emission and particulate creation, is to offer alternative routes into Cardiff. During LDP consultations, the prospect of a Metro system was floated as a possible means of providing this. I recently attended a seminar on this topic; I went to see whether, after 8 years of discussion, we had advanced beyond having a name for the project. We might hope for some improvement in 2023 when the valley lines will have a swifter, more frequent service. However, the main project (including a significant improvement to the City Line) is still a gleam in the eye. It lacks clarity on fundamental aspects of design and, more basically, the necessary cash to implement any scheme, which emerges. Road Resurfacing: Windsor Road and upper Park Road will be resurfaced soon. This will comprise an application of tarmac rather than the much-needed reconstruction Bus passes; these expire at the end of 2019; they may be renewed online or at Radyr Library Shrubbery: please ensure that your shrubs do not protrude on to the pavement, obliging wheel chair users or pram-pushers to go onto the highway New Primary School at Plasdwr; given the demand for additional places for both English and Welsh medium education, one can see why a hybrid school is planned. My concerns are that it will be difficult to recruit appropriately qualified staff and that no early provision is made for new arrivals seeking a place in Y3 to Y6 County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 16th October 2019 e-mail: rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 County Councillor Report for August/September 2019
Highway issues: installation of 3 new zebra crossings on main road is scheduled for early 2020 ; creation of 20mph zone (covering entirety of Radyr and Morganstown except Parc Radur) will come in late Spring .A pavement on the dangerous bend at the top of Windsor Road is planned for March 2020 ; Golf Club lane is likely to be closed to vehicular traffic in summer of 2020. Some of these are subject to preliminary consultation while others have undergone consultation process. I have also requested evaluation of need for crossings at bottom of Station road and on Bryn Derwen. I hope to have in place 2 sites for NO2 monitoring on our main road; this will be of immediate use but it will also enable us to assess the outcome of a greater number of crossings. New school consultation: the consultation is underway on the proposed first new primary school on the Plasdwr development. Consultation on public rights of way; this is now underway. Radyr Library and Hub: The well-being café starts on 1st October and will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 11 am until noon; chair yoga is on Fridays from 2.30 to 3.30 ; “love where you live” locker gives access to litter-picking tools. Survey forms are available in library. Local Development Plan: I can supply a link giving residents an update on this plan’s progress. Play areas; Refurbishing Fisher Hill play area is due to start imminently. Drainage proposals for Drovers Way are under discussion; it is most probable that the work will not take place until early 2020 but there is a chance of an earlier start. Electric car charging: I can provide a link showing how Western Power Distribution is preparing for the expected growth in this type of vehicle. Fly tipping: this continues to be an eyesore as well as an expensive problem. Please report any evidence of this; please do not use any waste removal company unless it is registered and able to supply a waste disposal notice. Householders employing a “cheap” alternative risk prosecution. Overgrown Shrubbery: please cut back shrubs /trees which partly block pavements; this summer has created a large number of such issues. Ward Surgery: my next surgery is in the library on Saturday 28th September. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 16th September 2019 e-mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 H O Jones: Councillor report for full Council meeting
17 June 2019 Highway issues: subject to support from R+MCC, I will recommend to council officers that they initiate local consultation to introduce a 20mph limit in Radyr and Morganstown. There is wide support for this but there is great concern expressed that vehicles travelling at this lower speed will create greater air pollution. This concern should be addressed by participation in the consultation exercise. In the near future, there will be consultation on the closure of Golf Club Lane to vehicular traffic. The speed disclosing sign near Cheshire Home is now hard wired to an electrical supply, ending, I hope, a long series of malfunctions. Towards the end of July, major work on Llantrisant road towards Creigiau will necessitate complete closure of the road. I have requested full details and extended working and I have a meeting arranged to receive full details. I will include this information in my next report and post it on the local web sites as soon as it is available.
Pact issues: As mentioned last month, the police are aware of the large gatherings near the cricket club and they are monitoring this to prevent it leading to further problems in the surrounding areas. Since Pact, the police and PCSO support teams have been rearranged which will remove from our area some (but not all) familiar faces. Next Bike: Following our representations, a stand of Next Bikes will be installed soon in Station Road. Bethel Chapel: council officers are still seeking an acceptable outcome Planning matters: Local residents (to Springfield Gardens) have raised a petition objecting to a renewed attempt to build an improbable number of houses on a small site with limited access and a number of other concerning features. I am supporting this objection and I have supported residents’concerns about the Suds near Radyr Farm Road. Boundary Review: I submitted a strong case for R+M to have two County Councillors with effect from the next local elections in 2022; our community council supported this and present indications are that Cardiff Council will also do so. Dog Control Order: Cardiff Council will discuss a proposed control order in July. I can send the proposed text on request County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 18th June 2019 Phone: 20842764 e-mail: rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk |
monthly reportsSome councillors prepare regular reports about their work. You can read them here. Archives
June 2020
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