The common above Penyrheol is at risk because it is being abused, Plaid Cymru ward councillor Steve Skivens fears.
The Penyrheol councillor, a former Assistant Chief Fire Officer for South Wales, said heavy lorries carrying environmental waste were using Eglwysilan Common while motor bikers were scarring ancient pathways.
The councillor said action needed to be taken by authorities to preserve the land which covers Penyrheol, Abertridwr and Senghenydd for future generations.
Cllr Skivens said: “The common has been an accessible open space for people to enjoy for decades. It supports varied wildlife, grazing areas, an ancient pathway, forestry and an ancient historical site – Senghenydd Dyke – plus other natural features.
“There has been over usage by motor bikes in a uncontrolled manner. While heavy goods vehicles trundle fully loaded onto the mountain, sometimes for days and at all hours. These fully-laden vehicles carry about 20 tons in load. Often, they are marked as environmental waste, some carry hazardous chemical signage.
“They return nosily and very fast along Heol Las, creating a dangerous situation for this narrow minor road. Near misses have become a regular hazard.
“A local resident runs a log and in a single period logged ten vehicles per day for three weeks. This means some 4,200 tons of stuff taken up on the mountain in a single period. This has been repeated several times for years.
“Access to the common has been restricted by holes and troughs being cut or debris piled up to obstruct.”
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The council is aware of the concerns about inappropriate activity on the common and we are working with a number of key partners to tackle these issues using a multi-agency approach.”
With Gwent Police stating openly that they will not pursue motorcycles (even though being used illegally ) due to Health & Safety concerns for their officers ; the motorcycle riders and the general public,then things are unlikely to change anytime soon.
The only alternative is for the public to identify who owns these motorcycles and the addresses they are kept at – as many riders wear full face helmets to try and conceal their identities. Local communities know who these people are and need to come forward and identify them.
As for the lorries – Caerphilly Council need to work more regularly with the appropriate agencies (ie: Police and VOSA ).