Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Work to replace a fallen wall at a well-used community centre has been delayed until September.

For the past seven months users of Pwllypant Village Hall and motorists along the A468/9 Caerphilly bypass have grown used to the sight of fallen bricks since the wall partially collapsed during December’s Storm Darragh.

Plaid Cymru councillor Colin Mann has raised concerns about the safety of young children, and is pushing for the wall to be fixed.

The Llanbradach ward councillor said he was initially told by the council that work would start during the last week of July.

After learning of the delays, he said: “It is extremely disappointing that it took seven months to even get a date for the commencement of work to replace this wall. 

“There must be some serious shortcomings in procedures for it to take so long. To then be told that no work would then be done until eight months after the wall collapsed is just not acceptable.”

It is understood that part of the delay in getting work started was Caerphilly County Borough Council’s reluctance to accept the wall was theirs – until it was pointed out the wall predates the hall and was originally built as part of the bypass.

While council workers have erected safety fencing, very little else has been done to secure the space between the hall’s car park and the busy road.

Cllr Mann continued: “My understanding, after a conversation two weeks ago, was that a senior [council] officer would be in touch with me after reviewing the situation. I was on leave last week and fully expected to find a relevant email on my return but there was nothing.

“In the meantime there is a temporary fence theoretically separating young children from an extremely busy main road. I say theoretically because when I have driven past on three occasions recently there is a large gap in the fence.

“The fact that the long school summer holiday has now started makes it even more important that this area is safe.”

Caerphilly Observer contacted the council to ask why the work had been pushed back to September. A spokesperson replied: “Unfortunately, the planned repair works to the wall have been delayed due to issues with the availability of the contractor. 

“Fencing is currently in place and we will continue to monitor the site to ensure it is safe.”