Residents say progress is finally being made to complete repairs on a troubled new housing development.
More than 160 people signed a petition last year to urge developer Taylor Wimpey to finish roads, pavement and pathways throughout the Kingsmead estate in Caerphilly town.
Located off Pontygwindy Road, behind Catnic, the 140-home development has suffered from uneven and potholed roads, unfinished pavements, broken curbstones and concrete-filled drains despite some residents having lived there for four years.
Resident Lawson Symmonds said: “It’s good news that the progress is well under way. As far as Taylor Wimpey is concerned I’d say between them and the contractors they are doing a splendid job now.
“I do have concerns about the entrance to the estate, which is yet to be tackled. The newly laid footpath has now been fitted with railings, however we would like to see the banking running along the ramp-way properly concreted.”
Another resident, Ian Golden, said: “It’s good to see some progress being made, especially on the pathway to the shops, but it’s disappointing to see all roads not completed. I realise weather conditions have played a part to delay progress, but we were informed the works would be done by now.”
Caerphilly Assembly Member Hefin David has been supporting residents together with councillors and Member of Parliament Wayne David.
Hefin David said: “I’ve worked closely with people in Kingsmead and other private estates across the constituency, that haven’t yet been adopted [by the council], to make the more general case that private sector house builders must give fair value for money.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard and Cllr Shayne Cook, who represent the Morgan Jones ward the estate lies in, have welcomed the progress.
Cllr Pritchard said: “A lot of the estate has been dramatically improved since the latter part of 2018. It’s fair to say the condition of most of the roads was frankly appalling last summer and urgent repairs were justified.
“However, some of the estate hasn’t been completed so we continue to be in constant contact with residents and the developer to encourage the closest end date possible.”
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We would like to reassure local residents that we are fully committed to completing the roads and pavements at our Kingsmead development to an adoptable standard as quickly as possible. Works are currently underway and we are in regular contact with local councillors regarding this.”