Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle has called for Caerphilly Council and developers to sort out a saga that has left roads on a town housing estate in a terrible condition.
Lindsay Whittle, a former leader of Caerphilly council, who has been lobbied by residents, wants the authority to use funds from a Community Infrastructure Levy so roads on the Kingsmead Estate can be finally adopted.
The access from Pontygwindy Road to the beginning of Waun Draw on the estate is the centre of the problem, full of large potholes which residents and visitors are forced to manoeuvre.
In an email to Lindsay Whittle, Caerphilly Council said: “We can confirm that there is a Section 38 Agreement in place between Caerphilly CBC & Taylor Wimpey for the eventual adoption of the estate, including Waun Draw.
“However, there are outstanding remedial works required on the section of unadopted highway linking Pontygwindy Road with Waun Draw/the main access into the site, which Taylor Wimpey need to undertake before the adoption of the estate can proceed. We currently have no timescale from Taylor Wimpey as to when these works are likely to be undertaken.”
In a follow-up email, the council said: “We understand that there is ongoing correspondence between Taylor Wimpey and the original landowners of the land on which the highway was constructed which has delayed progress of the remedial works.
“Taylor Wimpey have advised that progress towards a resolution is being made and we are anticipating a further update from them in September. We fully appreciate the frustration of the residents at the delays in progressing the adoption of the highway.
“Taylor Wimpey have further advised that any maintenance issues should be highlighted to their South Wales office in Cardiff and will be addressed by them.”
Lindsay Whittle, Senedd Member for Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili, Rhymni said: “This is an absolutely crazy situation which has been going on for several years since the last of the homes were built.
“The council takes money from developers for the Community Infrastructure Levy and yet have not managed to sort this mess out. If necessary, the authority should take action to force the developers to fully complete the estate as a matter of urgency. I look forward to an update from the developers next month.”
Plaid Cymru Caerphilly Town councillor Martin Downes, who lives on the Kingsmead estate, said: “To say that the poor condition of the road is a long standing issue is a complete understatement. The fact is that over ten years after the completion of building the road is in a substandard state of repair.
“There have been some attempts to patch it up by filling potholes but none of this remedial work has made a difference. This is very frustrating for residents on the Kingsmead Estate. A resolution of this issue is long overdue. We would like to see clarity on a way forward, responsibility taken, and the road in a fit condition. We have waited long enough."