Questions raised over closure of council housing office in Blackwood

The southern entrance to The Market Place in Blackwood

Caerphilly County Borough Council has permanently closed its housing office in Blackwood, moving services to the town’s library.

Councillors representing Blackwood have questioned the decision.

Council tenants use the office as a point of contact if they need to speak with someone about their property.

The lease of the housing office, at Market Place, Blackwood, comes to an end this month and the council has decided not to renew it.

For the last financial year, the lease and service charges came to £16,875, business rates were £7,233 while parking charges for staff came to £4,200 – a grand total of £28,308.

The office has been closed since March this year as social distancing in it is not possible.

Housing services will be moved to Blackwood Library – but only on certain days – and there are plans to begin surgeries within the communities the office served.

The areas the Eastern Valleys Area Housing Office serves

The office in Blackwood covers residents living in Argoed, Britannia, Fleur-de-lys, Markham – Hollybush, Pengam, Upper Trelyn, Cefn Fforest, Fairview, Twyn Gardens, Penllwyn Lower, Penllwyn Upper, Springfield, Blackwood, Ty-Sign Lower, Ty-Sign Upper, Risca, Pontymister, Croespenmaen, Oakdale, Gelligroes, Morrisville, Pontywaun, Treowen, Trinant, Wattsville, Ynysddu – Cmfelinfach, Pentwynmawr, Abercarn, Crosskeys, Cwmcarn, Highmeadow, Llanfach, Newbridge, Pantside Lower, Pantside Upper, Persondy and Westend.

In a press statement, Cllr Lisa Phipps, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “Relocation to Blackwood Library will allow us to continue delivering housing services from the town centre, whilst also freeing up premises for another business who has expressed an interest; increasing the retail offer for visitors to the high street and benefitting our local economy.”

‘Artisan shops’ and housing for Blackwood marketplace revamp

But councillors representing Blackwood are unhappy and have questioned the closure.

Independent councillor Nigel Dix said: “Blackwood is suffering from the economic fallout of Covid-19, where businesses are going under.

“This office increases footfall in the Market Place and town centre. When Woolworths closed in Bargoed, the council spent £300,000 to purchase the store, plus over £1million to renovate and make fit for purpose.

“The money was spent to bring people into Bargoed. The cost of the Blackwood office is tiny in comparison, but it does provide and maintain footfall by bringing people into the town.”

Fellow independent councillor Kevin Etheridge questioned whether the library was a suitable location.

In an email to Shaun Couzens, the council’s chief housing officer, he said: “Hardly any parking at the library and a considerable distance from car parks if you are disabled.”

Cllr Etheridge also expressed concern the vacated unit at the Market Place could be left empty for months and asked if the decision was motivated by cost.

In a statement, Caerphilly County Borough Council also said moving services to the library would remove confusion by offering council services from one location in the town.

Jaggery