The work to build a cycle path through the recreation ground has had a significant impact on the community
RESIDENTS who have put up with nearly nine months of disruption at Roath Recreation Ground have been told that the works are finally coming to an end.
The planned finish date for the works is Tuesday, November 26. A council spokesperson said: “The remainder of the work requires re-surfacing works which is weather dependent… If we have bad weather, then this date could change slightly.”
The works have been controversial, with some residents sounding concerns throughout.
When completed, park users will see 560 metres of cycle path running through the Rec, as well as the closure of Alder Road which cuts across the park plus changes to the Penylan Library junction.
Some fear the effects of permanently banning right turns from Wellfield Road onto Marlborough Road and from Marlborough Road onto Pen-Y-Lan Road.
Jeremy Sparkes, from Penylan Traffic Group, who represented residents, said: “Cardiff Council would rather push more cars past Marlborough School than have motorists wait an extra 45 seconds.”
Residents have also questioned the positioning of the new cycle path 10 metres into the Rec, when renovation of the existing path was initially proposed.
Lucy Griffiths, a member of the Save Roath Rec campaign group said: “They overlooked the fact that a planning application was needed to build so far into the Rec – a Grade 1 Registered Park held in covenant for the people.
“We all fully support the response to climate change, but rather than celebrating this project, we’ve been left heartbroken by the results.”
The works have also had impact on sports teams.
Rugby club Cardiff Saracens had difficulties at the start of their season. They blame these issues on poor communication from the council.
Treasurer Jack Fletcher-Charles said: “We had to rearrange matches to be played away because we did not have a home pitch to play on. We had to buy our own rugby posts with the help of fundraising from the local community.”
Roath Park has also been considered the home of Welsh Baseball since the 1880s. While previously playing host to cup finals and international fixtures, for the first time since the war, no competitive games were played there over the summer.
Founded in 1979, Gower Sports Ladies have played on the Rec for their entire history, but this year were forced to move to Heath Park.
Paula Dunn, chair of the Welsh Ladies Baseball League said: “The baseball season starts in May, Gower 100% want to host matches at the Rec but fear it might not be possible.”
“Gower have always played there, for them not to be playing there is a historical event.”
The move was enforced largely due to the loss of parking caused by the construction and the disruption caused by constant roadworks.
Ms Dunn added: “Opposition teams travel from Newport, Ely, Llanrumney – it would have become a logistical nightmare.”
