Neighbours want more of a say on plan to replace Llandaff North level crossing
RESIDENTS of Llandaff North and Whitchurch are frustrated by the level of communication over a proposed railway footbridge.
The Transport for Wales footbridge would replace the level crossing between Wingfield Road and Llandaff North allotments.
The bridge would start on the top bank at the end of Maes Glas and encroach about five metres into the allotments, said one resident.
Llandaff North councillor Dilwar Ali said: “At the moment no details are available. TfW are beginning to consult on the footbridge.”
He said TfW would be hosting a community drop-in on Thursday, March 3 at Llandaff North Hub.
However, residents are disappointed with the lack of communication by TfW so far. Many were not even aware of the proposal.
One Whitchurch resident, who did not want to be named, is among those whose plots at the allotments would be affected.
“I am losing my whole plot this year – and when I get it back it will probably be unusable after all the work . I am trying to get another one sorted, but I cannot replace eight years of work.
“I do support the bridge as it will be much safer for everyone in the community, but I am gutted about my plot. The allotment committee are doing everything they can to help me, but you cannot replace the work done and the time and money put into it.”
The resident is seeking compensation, but they are not hopeful.
Other residents had not heard about the plan until councillors revealed on Friday that they had hosted a consultation.
About 40 people attended the Zoom meeting, including local representatives and staff from TfW.
Julie Morgan MS, who organised the Friday meeting with Anna McMorrin MP, said: “After concerns were raised with us about the lack of communication and consultation by Transport for Wales on the plans for the new footbridge near Llandaf station, we were keen to organise a meeting so that local residents and Llandaff North allotment holders could learn more about the proposals and have the opportunity to put forward their questions and concerns directly to TfW.
“It was a very productive meeting. Transport for Wales were keen to listen to residents’ views and agreed to take on board suggestions of how the design of the bridge could be amended so that any impact on neighbouring properties would be minimal. They also committed to attending an on-site meeting with residents as soon as Anna and I can arrange it.
“Anna and I will remain in touch with local residents and we will continue to press Transport for Wales to increase its community engagement.”
Residents within 200m of the works have been contacted, and other members of the community are invited to attend the engagement session next Thursday.
Steph Wilkins, 52, of Ty-Mawr Road, said: “I am annoyed at the lack of communication and consultation, and how TfW treats residents.
“I’m surprised and disappointed as the Welsh Government awarded them the contract and I thought they’d hold them to higher standards.”
What footbridge. Kept that one quiet!! Please tell us more
— Alun E Morgan MBE FCSP He/Him (@Badj1960) February 19, 2022
Following a fall in passenger numbers due to Covid, from February 2021, a subsidiary of the Welsh Government has run the day-to-day rail services for TfW.
Julia Burns Loaring, 71, of Westbourne Road in Whitchurch, said: “They will need to destroy the wild area at the allotment site so it’s quite sad really.”
Other residents support the idea of a footbridge as better for public safety.
Julia Helen, of Whitchurch, said: “It sounds like a great idea, and it would be safer than the current level crossing.”
Planning permission has not yet been granted.
