Roadworks completion delayed

A COMPLETION date for major works at a roundabout in Caerphilly is to be pushed back after changes to the work programme were made.

Work began on the Pwll-y-pant roundabout, known as the Cedar Tree roundabout, in October.

In the run-up to Christmas, there was a public outcry at the traffic layout surrounding the roundabout, which caused massive tailbacks and delays of hours due to single lane traffic being implemented.

A petition was launched calling on Caerphilly council to abandon the works and received more than 7,000 signatures.

As a result of the public feeling, the council agreed to to provide additional funding to reopen two lanes around the roundabout and its key approaches during the Christmas period, as well as further changes in the new year to limit disruption and congestion.

The contract, which is being carried out by Walters UK Ltd, was initially due to be completed in October but the council says the changes have now lengthened the programme.

Deputy council leader Sean Morgan said: “We are currently working closely with the contractor to finalise a detailed work programme which will take us up to the completion of the scheme.

“We are fully aware of how important the pre-Christmas period is for local businesses, so for any works required during this period we are looking to ensure twolane operation is in place during the day to minimise any impact on the travelling public, shoppers and businesses.

“As soon the detailed programme is finalised in the coming weeks we will communicate this information to residents and the business community. We will also be considering measures to support businesses during the Christmas period.”

Traffic arrangements will revert back to single lane traffic during August for essential works to be carried out, although it is hoped that traffic will be mitigated due to the school holidays.

But local businesses are concerned the works could affect the Christmas trade with a number of businesses taking the toll during the works last year.

Sarah Bruton, of the Keep Caerphilly Moving group and owner of nearby Captiva Spa, said there had been a “lack of clear information”.

She said: “Local businesses have suffered significant financial losses as a result of the Pwll y Pant scheme. For us at Captiva, those losses are exacerbated not just by traffic problems, but also by the dirt, damage, noise and disruption associated with major construction works. Any delay to the project will have further financial impact for us.

“However, had Caerphilly council not made changes to their programme of works last autumn, and had the chaos on the Llanbradach arm ensured through the project, we would not be in business now.”

She added: “A lack of clear information is creating confusion and fear in the minds of local residents and companies, who dread a return to the chaos of autumn 2017.

“That perception is as potentially damaging to small businesses as the actual roadworks themselves.”