Caerphilly County Borough Council’s “irresponsible” refusal to demolish homes on one of the most polluted roads in Wales has been condemned by rival councillors.
Opposition continues to mount against the authority’s ‘do minimum’ approach to tackling air quality issues at Hafodyrynys Road in Crumlin, a decision seen as unlawful by the Welsh Government.
Senior councillors were unable to support a proposal that could put residents in financial difficulty and will instead pin their hopes on cars getting cleaner and greener in the coming years.
But the decision is being called in by Llanbradach councillor Colin Mann, leader of the council’s Plaid Cymru group, who has urged the Labour administration to rethink their strategy.
Cllr Mann said: “The message to the residents of Woodside Terrace is ‘carry on breathing in poisonous air, it may get better in a few years’ time.”
“Frankly, that it is an abdication of their responsibilities to the public and totally irresponsible.
“Any councillor with a conscience would vote in favour of financial resources to avoid condemning residents, in particular children, to continue living on such a polluted road.”
Along with Woodside Terrace, the Woodside Shops and homes in Yr Adfa are also earmarked for demolition, with the Welsh Government prepared to cover the £4.5 million demolition costs.
Demolishing the 23 houses is expected to bring Caerphilly council in line with air quality compliance by 2023, while doing the minimum is expected to reach targets by 2025.
Crumlin’s Plaid councillor Mike Davies said: “To expect residents to wait for less polluting traffic is a tiny dot of light at the end of a very long tunnel.
“Other options must be pursued without further delay.”
If forced to demolish or compulsory purchase the houses, the council will only be able to offer market value bids.
Council leader Dave Poole said older residents who were mortgage-free could struggle if they need to buy a new home.
Cllr Poole said: “We recognise that the health and wellbeing of the community is paramount, but we do not want to see any of the residents facing financial difficulties as a result of the compulsory purchase process.”
“We need to put the best interests of the community first and that is the reason why we have agreed the ‘do minimum’ option.”
The council plans to lobby the Welsh Government for extra funding, though Cllr Mann suggested that cash kept in reserve could be used instead.
But a council spokesman said: “The council is not allowed to offer any more than market value – we cannot simply ‘dip’ into our reserves.”
The preferred option will now be subject to a ten week public consultation along with the final plan. A final plan must be submitted to the Welsh Government by June 30.