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A ‘dangerous’ roundabout in Pontllanfraith, where at least 20 accidents have been reported in the past decade, should be of “immediate concern” according to two councillors.

Janine Reed and Jan Jones, independent councillors for Ynysddu, say they’ve been in talks with the council over adding safety measures to the Gelligroes roundabout – known locally as the ‘Switchgear’ roundabout – for more than three years.

However, after the council finally agreed to meet the pair, along with concerned residents, Cllr Reed and Jones were told they could no longer remain involved with the process because the roundabout is outside of their ward boundary.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Cllr Reed said: “It’s an absurd and bureaucratic decision from the council to say this doesn’t concern us when we’re talking about safety.

“People all over the borough and beyond use this roundabout. I think it’s a stupid decision to not engage with us, and residents, to see what we can do about bringing the rate of crashes down.”

According to CrashMap, there have been 21 accidents on or just off the roundabout between 2013 and 2023 – the latest available data.

These accidents range from ‘slight’ and ‘serious’. Most are around the exit onto the A472 heading towards Maesycwmmer.

The ‘Wylie Bends’ are also just off the roundabout, a stretch of road which has claimed the lives of at least two people in the past decade.

Cllr Reed believes not all incidents, or near misses, have been registered however.

She continued: “One particularly distressing case involves a woman who has given up driving altogether due to anxiety caused by her crash on the roundabout.

“The approach to the roundabout is far too fast and people don’t always know which lane they’re supposed to be in to exit.

“All the council has told us is that it’ll be making ‘safety improvements’, but they haven’t spoken to residents or councillors which for me is the wrong way to go about it.”

Caerphilly Observer asked Caerphilly County Borough Council if it recognises the roundabout as a dangerous spot, whether it would be introducing any safety measures, and if so, when.

A spokesperson said: “Improvement works are planned later this year at the roundabout, including lane reallocation on the B4251 and the installation of additional signage, subject to final design approval.

“The site falls within the Pontllanfraith ward, therefore the councillors for that particular ward would be engaged in any discussions about such schemes.

“However, we are also engaging with the members from the neighbouring ward who are acting on behalf of local residents.”