‘It’s like Blackpool Illuminations going on in my back bedroom...’
RESIDENTS living close to a massive new Cardiff University construction project say it is damaging their homes and disturbing their sleep.
The university’s new Innovation Campus at Maindy Park aims to provide cutting-edge facilities that will help researchers and students work together to help build enterprises and start-ups.
However, people who live nearby say the construction project led by Bouygues UK is causing them a number of problems.
One resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “We have large cracks in our walls which may have done permanent structural damage.
“Our cars, front gate and everything in our garden was covered in white specks of paint.
“The parking is a real issue, with contractors parking in resident permit bays.
“There are many more by-products that have been a result of the construction works, such as my wife now suffering from asthma due to the amount of dust coming from the site. The deterioration of my mental health resulted in me going on medication for anxiety and depression.
“We have been looking to move house but it’s not a simple fix for us at the moment, unfortunately.”
In another letter shown to the Western Mail, one resident described it as a “nightmare”.
The letter said: “I came home one day and found my back garden security light hanging down the side of the wall. We have had cracks appear on the bathroom tiled floor and walls.
“We get woken every day by that alarm that drives us nuts. As for the building lights being left on all night, it’s like the Blackpool illuminations going on in my back bedroom and bathroom.”
“This has caused a few of our visiting friends to advise that they will not be returning to stay with us until the building is over, as they got zero sleep.
“I’ve lost count of the number of migraines I have had due to the building work and I wish it would all just go away.”
Cathays councillor Chris Weaver said residents are facing significant problems.
He said: “It is a big problem at the moment, especially with the parking. There have been cases with people parking on the grass and in resident bays, which isn’t good for the people who live there.
“The start of any project will cause noise and disturbance, but this isn’t acceptable. The dirt was also an issue a while ago as lorries were transporting goods.
“Some people have also said when they have gotten up in the morning for work, workers are already waiting for them to leave to take their space.”
Cllr Weaver said he talking to the council about ticketing cars which are parked incorrectly as soon as possible.
He added: “I think it’s important for Cardiff University to have some dialogue with the developers. They are speaking to the workers and are looking to provide a mini-bus service to transport them.
“I would urge residents who are having problems with parking to report them to the council.”
A spokesman for Bouygues UK, said: “We recognise that construction works can be disruptive and we are hugely grateful to local residents around our Cardiff Innovation Centre project for their patience and understanding while we transform a former derelict railway yard into a state-of-the-art innovation campus.
“We are aware of some specific issues that have affected a number of individuals and our community engagement officer for the site is attempting to resolve these with the people concerned.
“We are continuing to work closely with the Shared Regulatory Services in Cardiff to do everything we can to minimise disruption.”