After being grilled by angry residents and traders at a public meeting last week, representatives from Wales and West Utilities were this week quizzed by councillors about the disruption caused in Caerphilly town by its gas works.
Addressing members of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, the company confirmed, as they did last week, they are still on course to finish on November 25 – in time for the switch on of the town’s Christmas lights.
Jonathan Jones from Caerphilly Round Table said: “Caerphilly Town Council is working hard to make the town ready for Christmas by erecting the town’s Christmas lights and making plans for the big ‘switch on’ outside the Twyn Community Centre on November 25.
“Caerphilly Round Table will be bringing Santa to turn on the town’s Christmas lights and we are delighted that the main road through the town will be open so that girls and boys from Caerphilly will be able to see Santa at this important event.”
The work to replace ageing pipes is ahead of schedule by four days and the works have been completed as far north as Pentrebane Street.
Councillor Rob Gough said: “It’s good to hear that these essential works are on track, as we are aware of the concerns being expressed by retailers about the disruption in the town centre.
“We are sympathetic, but unfortunately there is never a good time to carry out major works like this in a major shopping centre. Wales and West are keen to ensure the improvements are done before winter sets in and we want to ensure they are completed before the Christmas shopping period, so we are all working hard to ensure that the deadline will be met.”
Last Friday, a public meeting was called by Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert, Labour MP Wayne David and Independent town councillor Eddie Talbot, who is also chair of the local traders’ association.
The well-attended meeting was held at Neuadd-y-Parc Hall
Strong public anger was directed at the council as the body responsible for the town’s roads and the fact no-one from the council – officers and councillors – did not attend. In addition, only two Caerphilly town councillors attended the meeting last week.
Traders are fearful the closure of Cardiff Road could put them out of business.
The third phase of work begun last week prior to the meeting and saw buses and traffic flow through the town with traffic diverted via Clive Street, Ludlow Street and St Fagans Street.
Cllr Jenny Hibbert, Mayor of Caerphilly Town Council said: “It’s been a difficult time for the traders, but in switching on our Christmas lights let’s all celebrate the cheer and goodwill of Christmas and support the Caerffili traders throughout the town.”
A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesman said: “There have been calls for the works to be halted at this stage, but these improvements have been highlighted as essential by Wales and West so it is vital that they are completed as soon as possible.
“A compensation scheme for retailers is being provided by Wales and West which follows set guidelines so that reasonable estimates for compensation can be processed in a consistent manner.”