Roadworks almost complete
A COMPLETION date has been set for the controversial Pwll-y-pant roundabout works in Caerphilly but businesses say more scheduled road closures will affect trade in the run-up to Christmas.
Works at the roundabout, known locally as the Cedar Tree roundabout, began in October last year with the aim of increasing capacity, reducing congestion and improving journey times.
It was originally estimated it would take 52 weeks to complete the works, but due to a public outcry over the disruption caused, the council decided to re-open two lanes southbound from Llanbradach, which meant the project would take longer.
But with original projections forecasting the completion of the works before Christmas, the council has announced that work should be finished by the end of November – subject to the weather and unforeseen cicumstances.
Final overnight works are scheduled for November 22, while traffic signals are planned to be switched on November 26.
Councillor Sean Morgan, deputy leader of Caerphilly council and cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “While these dates are dependent on the weather and any unforeseen events, I’m sure this scheduled completion date for the scheme will be welcomed by all concerned.
“We were obviously very conscious that the programme had extended beyond the originally scheduled 52 weeks, due both to circumstances beyond our control, and changes made to single-lane running after listening to concerns from residents and businesses.
“Local traders will now be able to take full advantage of the busy preChristmas trading period with no disruption.”
He added: “The works have undoubtedly caused disruption for residents, motorists and the business community, and I must thank everyone for their patience while these important works were carried out.”
But business owners have said more road closures scheduled throughout November, including November 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22 (Black Friday) between 7pm and 6am, will already negatively affect trading ahead of the Christmas period.
Sarah Bruton, of the Keep Caerphilly Moving group and owner of Captiva Spa, which is next to the roundabout, said businesses were not given enough notification about the closures and she had already had to cancel a number of bookings and events.
She said: “It’s not only bad for business now but bad for business in the future. If we had known in midSeptember it would have been much better.
“It’s going to affect Black Friday week and it’s naive to think people start their Christmas shopping in December, it starts throughout November. We went through all this last year with them.
“Even though these are night-time closures, it will affect us earlier in the day as people will be avoiding the area. Again, we’re driving people away from the town at a huge time of the year. I think the more these things happen the long-term impact is greater as people will be less likely to come to the town.”
A spokesman from Caerphilly council said it had “continually provided information” throughout the works to members of the public and the business community, and as soon as the dates were confirmed both the public and businesses would have been notified.