At this month’s full council meeting, councillors had a chance to discuss the revised capital programme – which I wrote about earlier this week.
Network Rail taking forward detailed design work for new Pencoed bridge
Cllr. Alex Williams (Ind, Pencoed & Penprysg) queried the additional funding (£500,000) for the Penprysg Road bridge scheme. There were concerns from residents that their views weren’t being considered. Additionally, he asked whether interim measures could be put in place to deal with issues at the bridge – such as resurfacing and traffic light alterations?
The Corporate Director for Communities, Janine Nightingale, said the additional funding was for Network Rail to take forward detailed design work for the bridge. She believed the various consultations on the project were successful and when the design gets to an advanced stage, another consultation will take place so residents can see how their views have shaped the project.
Planning guidance changed after new schools require expansion within years of opening
Cllr. Martin Williams (Ind, Coity Higher) welcomed the additional funding for an expansion of Corty Primary School – which was hard fought for by residents, councillors and teachers. There was now a recognition that new schools such as Coety were too small and that the council “had got it wrong” on pupil number projections.
Corporate Director for Education, Linsday Harvey, explained why there’ve been so many issues with over-subscription at new-build schools.
The Welsh Government only accepts bids for new school funding based on the population projections for housing developments that had received planning permission at the time of the bid. This means it didn’t take into account developments awaiting planning permission – and Parc Derwen has developed bit-by-bit with separate applications for separate plots.
He added that the council’s planning guidance was updated in 2019 to take into account demographic changes, which will hopefully prevent such problems when future schools are built.
Is Labour keeping its £1million-a-year playground election pledge?
There were a few questions relating to the revised capital programme and how it lines up with Labour’s (ultimately successful) pledges during this year’s local elections.
Cllr. Phil Jenkins (Ind, Maesteg East) focused on commitments to road resurfacing and maintenance.
Elsewhere, Cllr. Steven Bletsoe (Ind, Bridgend Central) noticed a difference between the additional £500,000 committed to playground refurbishments and Labour’s election pledge to “refurbish all 107 playgrounds in the county for £1million-a-year”.
Janine Nightingale clarified that road maintenance was a rolling capital programme over the 5-year term, but only a certain amount of work can take place at any given time due to the disruption caused by roadworks itself.
On playgrounds, those most in need of upgrades will be prioritised for investment first. £800,000 was invested during 2021-22. Underspends have been added to that original sum in the capital programme (£500,000) taking it to £1.3million this year and, therefore, meeting Labour’s pledge (for this year at least).
However, the Corporate Director explained that not every playground would be refurbished – contradicting Labour’s pledge, somewhat – but not all of them would need work in the first place if they’re of a decent standard.
Additionally, while inclusive play equipment (for children with disabilities) can’t be provided at every playground or park, the council will look to provide such facilities at the large “strategic” parks (i.e. Maesteg Welfare Park, Newbridge Fields, The Planka).
