Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in | Become a Member - no adverts Manage My Membership | Log out
Menu
  • News
    • Business
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Worry over sewage problem at planned site of new rugby pitch

News, Sport | Rhys Williams | Published: 13:21, Wednesday February 10th, 2021.
Last updated: 13:21, Wednesday February 10th, 2021

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Satellite imagery showing sewage near the planned new playing field
Satellite imagery showing sewage near the planned new playing field

A bitter row has broken out between the council and residents over plans to create a new playing field at Sue Noake Leisure Centre in Ystrad Mynach.

The new pitch will replace one that looks set to be lost at Penallta RFC when the council expands nearby Trinity Fields School, which is for pupils with additional learning needs.

The school expansion plans have not yet been given the go-ahead, but look likely to be passed after they were backed by the council’s education scrutiny committee last year. It would boost the number of places at the school by 80.

Residents, already angry at the potential loss of the pitch, are unhappy because of a long-standing problem with leaking sewage from a manhole at the site of the planned pitch at Sue Noake.

Rugby club opposing council plans to expand school

Ystrad Mynach resident Phil Morris told Caerphilly Observer the site usually floods after a storm, often spilling sewage.

Mr Morris said: “It’s a high risk flood plain. There are concerns the sewage could spread onto the pitch.”

Residents have vented their frustrations on social media – which led to the council publishing a “Setting the Record Straight” article on its website trying to calm fears, claiming it had a record of just two instances of spilled sewage in a ten-year period – something disputed by Mr Morris and other members of the community.

The council, in its article, said Welsh Water, which has responsibility for drainage, is working to fix the issue, which it believes is caused by a build-up of silt.


Latest News

  • Llanbradach man, 96, jailed after killing pedestrian with carFriday, January 27, 2023
  • Bluebell Woods was much loved by the people of Llanbradach
    Residents to protest over Bluebell Woods sale outside Paul Fosh Auctions officesFriday, January 27, 2023
  • Cllr Carl Cuss, Labour councillor for the Twyn Carno ward
    Council hits back over levelling-up criticisms from councillorFriday, January 27, 2023
  • Gwent Police
    6.78% Gwent Police tax precept rise backed by panelFriday, January 27, 2023
  • The road leading to the Trehir household waste recycling centre
    Waste site reopens after car fireFriday, January 27, 2023

Sign up to our daily newsletter


In a statement to Caerphilly Observer, Penallta Rugby Club said: “We are aware of the strength of feeling regarding the effects that the school extension will have on the local community and our rugby club.

“We are meeting with the council later to discuss all issues and will provide a public statement thereafter.”

In a statement on the council’s website, Cllr Ross Whiting, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “The council is working directly with Penallta RFC to agree the optimum configuration of the two pitches and are also developing options to safeguard against future breaches, even though there have only been two such recorded incidents in the last decade.”

He added: “Any works required will be undertaken to fully address any such issues before any plans are progressed at the site.”


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Google / Phil Morris
Google / Phil Morris

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, January 27, 2023
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Elliots Town, New TredegarTuesday, January 17, 2023
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesMonday, January 16, 2023
  • Notice of application for a variation of premises licence: Hall Street, BlackwoodWednesday, January 11, 2023
© 2009-2022 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Britannia House, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.