Councillor Rod McKerlich: September 2020

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.
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County Councillor Rod McKerlich, 21 September 2020
E-Mail rmckerlich@cardiff.gov.uk      phone 20842764