Plaid Cymru condemn Caerphilly council's plan for Hafodyrynys pollution issues

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.

Hafodyrynys Road in Crumlin had higher levels of nitrous dioxide than anywhere except central London in 2015 and 201

But the decision is being called in by Councillor Colin Mann, leader of the council’s Plaid Cymru group, who has urged the Labour administration to rethink their strategy.

“The message to the residents of Woodside Terrace is ‘carry on breathing in poisonous air, it may get better in a few years’ time’,” said Cllr Mann.

“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.”

READ MORE: Caerphilly council 'could have built new school' for amount spent on pay row which started six years ago

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.

Caerphilly council's offices at Penallta House, Ystrad Mynach

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 compulsory purchase the houses, Caerphilly 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.

Councillor Dave Poole, leader of Caerphilly council

“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,” he said.

“We need to put the best interests of the community first and that is the reason why we have agreed the ‘do minimum’ option.”

READ MORE: Thousands sign petition against plan to close Risca toilets regularly used by families visiting popular nearby park

The council plans to lobby the Welsh Government for extra funding, though Cllr Man 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 10 week public consultation along with the final plan. A final plan must be submitted to the Welsh Government by June 30.