‘Exasperated’ Radyr parents say children are missing out as council work faces new problems
PARENTS in Radyr are “exasperated” that work on a disused playground that was set to be refurbished by April have been delayed – again.
Parc Radur on Drover’s Way has been shut since February 2020 and is now unlikely to be ready before the end of the summer holidays.
Playground equipment was removed in 2020 because of flooding and drainage problems, leaving children without a local play area. Last year, Cardiff Council secured funding to repair the drainage system and bring the park back to life.
However, the works have now been pushed back several months because of supply issues and the recent heavy rain.
Helene Hughes, a parent who lives on the Parc Plymouth estate in Radyr, said: “Our council tax is one of the highest in Cardiff, yet we haven’t got a decent park.
“I feel frustrated and exasperated – I think it’s criminal. I have no faith whatsoever in the council completing the works – it feels like excuse after excuse.”
Ms Hughes, 40, who works as a manager at Principality, said that her seven-year-old son was “missing out on outside play and the opportunity to meet up and make new friends”.
Dr Radha Nair-Roberts, a mum of two children aged 15 and 11, said: “I am deeply disappointed and disgusted at another delay.”
The 46-year-old former scientist added: “Surely one of the first duties of a city council is to provide play spaces for children. I feel so sorry for new residents who have moved into the new Parc Plymouth estate.”
Construction is now scheduled to start on March 20 and finish on July 7 but the council has warned this could be affected by possible supply chain issues or poor weather and ground conditions.
Once the drainage works are complete, the council will begin installing new playground equipment.
“This likely means the park itself won’t be usable again until after the summer holidays,” said Councillor Calum Davies.
Last year, Dr Nair-Roberts secured a grant from Comic Relief to host circus activities at the park as part of the 2023 Radyr Festival. Due to the delay in fixing the park, this event will instead take place at Radyr Comprehensive School.
The council told The Cardiffian that it will share more details on refurbishment plans with the community soon.
