A Plaid Cymru councillor has urged Cadw to investigate the threat to an ancient monument above Caerphilly.
Cllr Steve Skivens, ward member for Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn councillor has written to the Welsh historic monuments body asking for a risk assessment and protection of the historic Senghenydd Dyke.
Councillor Skivens set out the range of threats to the dyke and Eglwysilan Common in a letter to Cadw.
In the letter he wrote: “I am a resident in Energlyn and have enjoyed utilising the Penyrheol and Eglwysilan Common and the walkways for many years as a child and an adult. I have appreciated the status of the ancient dyke and its links back to the early medieval age.
“Can you please assist with a protracted and deteriorating issue on the Common above Penyrheol? A number of issues have occurred with damage and alterations to the common which is now damaging the ancient dyke.
“These include operation of businesses without appropriate permissions, repeated planning applications, developments and large-scale tipping and anti-social behaviour.
“This has been reported previously by the Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn Community Council some time ago. However, the slow destruction and blockage of the common is now damaging the dyke itself.
“I have been informed that motorcycles are running over the common and dyke plus earth moving plant has been utilised in close proximity to the dyke creating damage. Access to the common, footpaths and the dyke itself are regularly obstructed, disturbed or obscured by man-made ramparts.
“Several of the issues have been reported to the appropriate authorities and some actions have been successful, however, the tide of disruption and destruction continues unabated.
“The dyke requires protection and should be maintained as an important landmark and link to the area’s history. Not just for this generation but many into the future.”
A spokeswoman for Cadw said: “Officials in Cadw are making the necessary arrangements to visit Senghenydd Dyke and nearby sites with protected status as scheduled monuments.”
Cllr. Steve Skivens is absolutely right, a mediaeval remnant of our past is being wilfully damaged. Best of luck with CADW Steve, they are not the easiest organistion to deal with.
Good luck Cllr.Skivens – let’s hope that beauracracy doesn’t get in the way of a solution.
In these days of progress and modern technology it is important that we do not forget the past and preserve our historical sites.