Council releases statement after flooding on controversial pitch site

Caerphilly County Borough Council has issued a statement following flooding at a site earmarked for a new rugby field.

As part of plans to expand Trinity Fields School in Ystrad Mynach, a rugby field in Ystrad Mynach Park would be lost.

The council-owned field is used by Penallta RFC, which opposes the plans.

Senior councillors backed plans to expand the school, which is for pupils with additional learning needs, last month.

It would boost the number of places at the school by 80.

However, the council has plans to create a new rugby pitch at Sue Noake Leisure Centre in Ystrad Mynach, to compensate for the loss of the Ystrad Mynach Park pitch.

But residents, already angry at the potential loss of the pitch, are unhappy because of a long-standing problem with leaking sewage from a manhole at the site of the planned pitch at Sue Noake.

Welsh Water has been investigating the cause of the leaks.

In its statement, the council said: “The heavy rainfall on Bank Holiday Monday resulted in problems across the region, with significant additional pressure being placed on the local drainage network.

“We are aware of the issues at the Sue Noake site and Welsh Water are continuing their investigations. Unfortunately, we expect to see occasional drainage problems at the site during heavy rainfall until Welsh Water’s investigations and any associated works are concluded.

“Caerphilly council is keen to stress that the health and wellbeing of residents is paramount and the land at Sue Noake will only be developed for recreational use when it is safe to do so.”

The statement continued: “It is also important to note that the proposed extension to Trinity Fields is still subject to a planning application and works are unlikely to proceed before 2022, allowing ample time for Welsh Water to conclude their investigations.

“Residents are reminded to report any incidences of flooding to 0800 085 3968 (Welsh Water) or 0300 065 3000 (NRW)”