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HGV Gateway: this has been operating for several weeks and there is a noticeable reduction in the HGV numbers and very few expressed concerns about illicit use of our main road for transient HGVs. Some eligible drivers have been penalised and had to employ the appeal process. It is best to register these in advance using the advertised process.
Local Development Plan: The replacement LDP to be completed in late 2024 will run to 2036. The first consultation stage relates to 3 growth options and the further stage will relate to candidate sites for development. Given that the over provision of housing land in the present LDP has created a land bank adequate for over 16K houses, I believe that this landbank plus brown field and windfall sites will provide adequate growth without releasing any more green- field land. On the list of candidate sites, a 57.4 Ha site of Pant Tawel Lane is proposed; this massive area was a reserve site in the present LDP and its elevation to accepted candidate site would be an error with profoundly damaging consequences for this community. Gelynis Crossing: the level crossing at Gelynis will be replaced with a bridge; while this is welcome on safety grounds, this has a serious consequence for users of the public right of way (PROW) who are disabled, infirm or pushing a pram. The bridge should be augmented by a pedestrian lift similar to those at Radyr Station: when the application to alter the PROW is submitted, we must press for this addition. Llantrisant Road Junction: we await the Highways response to the petition pointing out the problems with the current junction. Kingfisher Pond: residents have pointed out the hazard of an unfenced pond and I have asked for a risk assessment SUDs at bottom of St Philbert Street: Planning application 21/02785 refers and depending on the outcome a further application relating to landscaping will follow Refuse collections: these appear to have settled down. A further trial of a different collection regime for recycled material is being carried out in part of the ward. This is aimed at reducing the high level of contamination inherent in the present use of green bags. Garden waste collections will resume in March and in early January there will be collection of Xmas trees. Litter Pickers: they continue their good work as do the Cardiff Rivers Group who have made further visits to clean up the area of the River Taff. PROW matters: various kissing gates were reported as faulty, and these have been repaired. New Primary school: The planned primary school in Plasdwr is planned to accept pupils from September 2023. It will be a 2-stream school with a Welsh and an English stream. Coed Cymru: Cardiff Council has an ambitious target of a 25% canopy cover of deciduous woodland by 2030. This is in many ways commendable but providing for long term sustainable management will be challenging County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 13th December 2021
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Cardiff Council matters: It is not yet decided if the Senedd elections will go ahead in May as planned or whether they will be postponed for up to 6 months. A UK census will occur on 21/3/21. Consultation on the budget for 2021/2 is taking place. Consultation on proposed modification to school admission procedures is underway
Highway matters: As previously advised, HGV access to Radyr and m Morganstown will be policed by a camera deployment and it is scheduled to be operative from April. Temporary traffic control on Llantrisant Road near Danescourt will be in place to enable upgrading of the water main. Golf Club Lane is now closed to vehicular traffic and bollards will enforce this. Alterations to the parking regime at Radyr Comp are causing congestion and officers plan a survey to assess this when the school re-opens. Drovers Way play area: the flood problem is now more frequent and more serious; it would be a waste of money and possibly dangerous to replace the faulty play equipment before the problem is fully understood and resolved. We expect the results of a costly modelling report in late February and it then a matter of devising a solution and finding the cash, which may not be a trivial sum. I will meet the cabinet member shortly to discuss this. Local Development Plan: a fresh local development plan has been agreed at Cardiff Council and the consultation on methodology will end soon. Clearly, this is a matter of great importance to our communities. Mound Field/ Transport for Wales: I have lobbied widely to secure reasonable legacy benefits and to ensure minimum detriment to local residents. I will continue to do this and I am working with our Community Council to represent all local residents. Radyr Sidings and Pact matters: I met with some Sidings residents who are alarmed by recent instances of crime and anti-social behaviour; local Senedd members accompanied me and we raised our concerns subsequently with senior police, Taylor Wimpey and Cardiff council. Waste collection: the additional Christmas collection encountered twin problems of staff absence due to Covid and extremely high levels of refuse put out for collection. Despite delays, the backlog was cleared. Local Christmas decorations; many thanks to R+MCC and RMA and local volunteers for brightening our villages and proceeding with local celebrations in the face of adversity. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 30th January 2021 E-mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764  Remembrance Sunday will be very different this year We are pleased to share these announcements from the Radyr And Morganstown Association about Remembrance Sunday services:
With Wales still being in Lockdown, Remembrance Sunday this year – on 8th November – will be very different. For many years we have witnessed a large turnout around the War Memorial in Heol Isaf, followed by a service in Christ Church. However, with gatherings forbidden and churches closed, neither is possible. Instead, there will be brief service at the War Memorial starting around 10:45am, conducted by local Ministers Rev’d Vicki Burrows and Rev’d Judith Holliman. Please do not attend this service. It will be broadcast live via YouTube and everyone is encouraged to join in that way. Details of the service and the YouTube link can be found at this News Item on the Community Website. For those who would like to join in a service on Sunday, Rev’d Vicki will be conducting a Remembrance Sunday Eucharist Service via Zoom starting at 09:30. Details can be found on the Parish Website, here. In addition, the Rev’d Judith Holliman of Radyr Methodist Church will be conducting a Zoom service at 6pm, when they will be 'Remembering With Poetry'. If you would like to attend the service, please e-mail Rev'd Judith for the Zoom link: judith.holliman@methodist.org.uk Highway matters: work on the three new zebra crossings and 20mph signage is roughly half completed. The temporary junction at the southern end of Heol Isaf is close to being replaced by the planned signalised junction. The consultation process on possible closure of Golf Club Lane is nearly complete.
Bus Service: At the request of residents, I pointed out to the commercial director of Cardiff Bus that the last service to R+M leaves Cardiff at 18.35. He agreed, effective Monday 19th that the last two 63 buses terminating at Danescourt would continue to R+M; they leave Cardiff at 19.05 and 20.05. Garden Waste: despite previous objections, once again garden waste collections are suspended until March 2021. Residents who wish to object can add their names to this petition:https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/continue-with-garden-waste-collections-in-cardiff Parking at Radyr Primary: As foretold, the monitoring of parking by fixed cameras in Park Road is starting immediately. Drainage issues: Cardiff Council drainage team was successful in its application for funding from Welsh Government to undertake the hydraulic assessment and construction of a preferred engineering option to resolve flooding problem at the Drovers Way play area. We will meet on site to progress this. I remind residents to monitor local highway drains and report any which are blocked. One Planet Cardiff: last week saw the launch of this initiative is aimed at making Cardiff “carbon neutral” by 2030. Planning matter: near neighbours are objecting to the planned Suds (sustainable urban drainage system) for the north area of the Plasdwr development. They have raised a well-supported petition and I am working with them. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 18th October 2020 E-mail: rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 September Report from County Councillor Rod McKerlich
Highway Issues: Work has started to install the 3 zebra crossings and 20mph signage on the main road; it will take about 12 weeks. I have discussed various problems arising at the junction of Heol Isaf and Llantrisant Road; the contractor was instructed to make some changes. The officer in charge of the HGV “gateway” intends a leaflet drop about the scheme and the intended completion date. Fixed cameras in Park Road will facilitate prosecution of motorists flouting parking restrictions at Radyr Primary. Following a resident’s representation, I have asked for a Disability Access assessment of the pavements in Morganstown. Drainage issues: recent heavy rainfall is a reminder of the need to ensure that drains are not choked and are in good order. Please check your local drains and advise me of any which are blocked. The drainage issue at Drovers Way play area is unresolved. Youth Issues: The police and Cardiff Council officers are joined in an effort to stop late night carousing on the riverbank. I attended a joint meeting of police, council officers, County Councillors and concerned residents to discuss vandalism in the Forest Farm area where costly damage has occurred; various measures were discussed, as were possible funding routes. Royal Mail; No decision has been made about the local delivery office but it remains out of use; I received the following helpful advice when pressing for an update: “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.” Metro: Work is underway to electrify the valley lines, which run through Radyr Station. When completed, rail users will have better trains each with higher capacity, running more quickly at the rate of 12 per hour instead of 6 per hour. This is most welcome but we have asked that, as work will be done mostly at night, it should be mindful of nearby homes with sympathetic working practices; I have asked for a contact who will deal speedily with any infractions of this code. Rough sleepers: any visit to Cardiff city centre will reveal that rough sleeping has almost disappeared in response to the efforts of Council officers aided by concerns over covid-19. County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 21 September 2020 E-Mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk phone 20842764 Highway Issues: Work to install three new zebra crossings on Heol Isaf/ Tynant Road will start on September 18th. A fixed camera will be installed near Radyr Primary to monitor compliance with parking regulations; at Bryn Deri, there was a suggestion of making Caer Craig a “controlled” area at start and finish of school day, which would restrict access to registered users at these times. I welcome comments on this idea. A permanent scheme is planned outside Radyr Comprehensive School as part of the improvements that will be delivered ultimately through the proposed S106 scheme. I have reported further concerns about the temporary junction at the south end of Heol Isaf. The consultation about 20mph speed limits within R+M has concluded and the regulatory order is approved having removed non-adopted roads from its applicability.
Central area drains: recent heavy rain caused a “river” to run along Heol Isaf and down the lane at the rear of the shops. The lane is unadopted but I asked for an inspection of central drains followed by clearance of any, which were blocked. Water Mains issue: to enable work on a water main, 4-way traffic lights will operate at the Danescourt roundabout throughout September starting on the first; the lights will be manned during the day to minimise disruption to traffic. Royal Mail sorting office: I am aware of local concern about possible serious inconvenience arising from possible closure of Gwaelod depot. With support from community council, I have made representations and I was told that no decision had been made, If closure is planned I will be consulted again in advance. I was given some (available) tips on how to avoid the need to go there to reclaim mail. Drovers Way Play Area: the CCTV survey revealed the cause of corroding play equipment and flooding of tennis club. I regret that the solution is not easy to determine and it will be expensive. There is no immediate possibility of installing new play equipment and I regret this. Street names: I have agreed some new names for new streets in Plasdwr after consulting community council . Problems near Radyr Station and Taff Trail; attendance by local police and transport police is at a higher level but it needs greater parental involvement to resolve these issues. Refuse collection; this continues to need my requesting remedial collections on a regular basis County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 25th August 2020 e-mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk 'Phone 20842764 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 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 |
monthly reportsSome councillors prepare regular reports about their work. You can read them here. Archives
December 2021
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