grangetown lib dems

Dog fouling signs on Virgil Street

2011-12-13T08:56:00.001Z

Following complaints from local residents, I reported that the 'no dog fouling' signs on Virgil Street were inadequate. the Council have now placed new signs and have made the existing ones more visible.

Alley-gating Success for Grangetown Lib Dems

2011-11-04T11:47:00.004Z

Following requests from residents, local Lib Dem Councillors have pressed the Council to install alley-gating in the remaining areas with lanes in Grangetown. The policy of alley-gating was introduced by Cardiff's Liberal Democrat Council a couple of years ago and was implemented in large parts of Grangetown.

Grangetown Lib Dem Councillor, Francesca Montemaggi, met with council officer dealing with alley-gating yesterday and was told that money has been put aside for alley-gating for the following two areas:

- Mardy Street, Dinas Street, Hafod Street, Pentre Gardens, Taffs Mead Embankment;

- All the remaining streets off Taff Embankment (Cymmer Street, Llanbradach Street, Clydach Street, Bargoed Street, Aber Street, Ystrad Street, Abercynon Street and Taff Terrace).

Commenting on the news, Cllr Francesca Montemaggi, said: "I am ecstatic that this is going ahead. I have been very supportive of alley-gating and presented a petition in Council last year for Bargoed Street. This was initially rejected due to low crime incidents. I requested a review of the decision, which is bearing fruit.

"Money has been put aside for more alleygating to ensure that problems are not simply moved from one area to another. We aim to have all the lanes gated, provided access is guaranteed.

"I am also thankful to residents who have requested gates and filled petitions. It is their victory as well. The Council will soon consult them and if the majority agrees, we can proceed and install gates. Gates have been successful in combating crime, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. However, it is important that residents make sure the lane is kept clean and tidy and nobody dumps refuse there."

Campaigning for more Alley-gating off Taff Embankment

2011-09-08T09:51:00.000+01:00

Alleygating has been a great success in Grangetown. I've been campaigning for gates for the lanes in Bargoed Street for nearly a year. These are difficult times financially, so it's difficult to say how many lanes can be gated in the area.

There are problems in the area with litter and anti-social behaviour. I raised specifically the following issues:

- Flytipping and litter, and a pothole in the lane at the back of Clydach Street, running parallel to Corporation Road;
- Ghat consumption and youth congregating in the lane running parallel to Taff Embankment;
- Litter in the lane at the back of Abercynon Street
- Litter and prostitution in the lane at the back of Taff Terrace

I hope these lanes can be gated some time in the future. However, I have also been made aware that there might be issues with access for disabled people to the garages. This needs appropriate consideration so that the needs of all can be guaranteed.

Grange Gardens Park gets a trim

2011-09-08T09:27:00.003+01:00

There have been complaints about overgrown weeds in Grange Gardens' Park. This will be addressed soon.

Ferry Road gets some cleaning up

2011-09-08T09:10:00.001+01:00

I complained to the Council about litter and pigeon dropping in Ferry Road by the fly-over. The Council have inspected the area and cleaned it up.

Residents have praised the improvement. It's looking pretty tidy now.

Parking in the Taff Embankment Area

2011-09-08T08:20:00.000+01:00

I have received complaints from residents regarding parking along Taff Embankment and the streets off it. As you may know, I've been requesting residents' parking for the area for many years. This has been granted in some streets so far.

I have now made a further request and the Council have said that the area will be surveyed soon.

Fighting Dog Fouling

2011-09-08T08:10:00.001+01:00

I have received complaints about dog fouling, especially along Taff Embankment and near Grange Gardens. Responsible dog owners can use any litter bin to dispose of their dog's waste.

I have asked the Council to look into the possibility of providing free bags by the litter bins in parks. However, you can dispose of dog's waste with any bags, so please do.

Fighting Litter!

2011-09-08T08:05:00.000+01:00

Following complaints from local residents, I have contacted the Council to ensure that litter gets cleared and the bins are emptied regularly. There seemed to be a particular problem in Corporation Road, where refuse bags are being left on the street.

I was also told that a bin at the bottom of the Taff Trail had been burnt. This has now been replaced.

Crack down on Illegal Parking

2011-09-08T08:02:00.000+01:00

There are cars being parked on double yellow lines at the junction of Corporation Road, Penarth Road and Clare Road. I have contacted the Police and the Council to ensure that the area is monitored and fines are issued.

£4 million Boost for Cardiff's Schools

2011-07-04T18:52:00.002+01:00

The Lib Dem-led Council is putting an extra £4 million into schools. The money will provide a much-needed boost for primary and secondary education. This is on top of the £120 million the Lib Dems have set aside to improve school buildings across the city for the next three years.

Lib Dem Councillor, Francesca Montemaggi, said: "In my work as a scrutiny committee member, I examine the Council budget. I have to say that the Lib Dem administration have managed finances well in Cardiff. They have made changes in how the Council is run, making it much more efficient. As a result, we have made huge savings."

"Schools across Wales get far less money than in England. The Lib Dems in Cardiff are making sure that education is a top priority and are putting money where their mouth is. That’s good government!”

PACT meeting

2011-06-28T21:56:00.001+01:00

Here are the issues discussed at PACT, this evening, and the action I have just taken:

Penalty notices: I updated residents about the penalty notices issued between March and May. There were a total of 437 penalty notices. The highest number (55) was in Watkiss Way, followed by Pendyris Street (37) and Taffs Mead Embankment (36). Other ‘hot spots’ were Penarth Road, Clare Road and Pentre Street.

Illegal parking: there were concerns about the cars being regularly double-parked on Clare Road, at the junction with Court Road. I raised this with the officer responsible for traffic wardens.

Dog Fouling: I’ve been asking the Council for bags to be provided next to the litter bins so as to encourage dog owners to dispose of dog waste appropriately. This is an ongoing. There seem to be specific dog owners who do not dispose of dog waste appropriately and who keep aggressive dogs without a lead. The Police are looking into this.

Alley-gating: there are some issues in specific locations with former tenants not returning the keys. I have raised it with the appropriate officer asking to look into the possibility of changing the lock. I have also asked for a ‘no ball games’ sign to be installed on the gate on Coedcae Street.

Litter: the area under the fly-over by Morrison’s and Prospect Place is littered by pigeon droppings. I raised it with the Chief Officer and asked for measures to deter pigeon droppings.

Other: ASDA trolleys are taken and left around Grangetown. I raised it with the Council asking them to put pressure on ASDA to put in place coin-operating trolleys.

Action on dog fouling

2011-06-28T21:30:00.000+01:00

Lib Dem Councillor, Francesca Montemaggi, has raised the issue of dog fouling in parks in Grangetown.

Councillor Montemaggi said: "Local residents have contacted me and raised the issue of dog fouling, which is particularly bad in parks. I contacted the Council asking for litter bins with bags for parks such as Courtmead Gardens, Pentre Gardens, and Grange Gardens. I also believe that bins with bags will also benefit areas frequented by dog walkers, such as Taff Embankment.

"It is important, however, that dog owners take responsibility and pick up any dog waste. At present, dog fouling bags are available free at all leisure centres and libraries, such as Grangetown Library and Channel View Leisure Centre.

"The bags can be used to clear up dog mess and placed in any available litter bin. Waste Management is working with Parks Services to develop and install signage

Update on North Grangetown Regeneration Area

2011-06-27T21:16:00.000+01:00

Here is an update on the works being carried out in the North Grangetown Regeneration Area:

Completed Works: recent works were completed on Court Rd (18–36 evens), and Clare Rd (12-50 evens). In the past works were carried out on Allerton Street, part of Stafford Road, Rutland Street, and part of Cornwall Street.

Ongoing Works: works began at numbers 54-104 evens on Clare Rd and numbers 2-6 evens on Stafford Rd in April 2011.

The Welsh Assembly and Council funding provided for Renewal Areas has been reduced significantly for this financial year, and there are likely to be further reductions over the coming years. The funding needs to cover property and highway improvements in both North Grangetown and West Adamsdown. Therefore, Council officers are trying to stretch the money to cover as many properties as possible although they will need to reduce the amount spent on each.

What Matters Strategy

2011-06-16T21:24:00.003+01:00

Here's my speech on the What Matters Strategy debated today in Council.

I had the pleasure of being part of the T&F group scrutinising this strategy.
I think there was broadly consensus that this is a useful document that will avoid duplication. It is also only the beginning. This is our direction of travel. As I pointed out at the T&F, it is important that we build bridges with the business community and civil society as a whole.

However, and, of course, I might be biased on this, the most significant moment of this strategy, so far, has been the T&F group. Not just for the points being made, which were certainly valuable, but because councillors showed their passion, their frustration and high expectations.

I appreciate that, to the ears of the Leader, of the Chief Executive and officers, we might have sounded a little too passionate and too frustrated.

We need to recognise that we are faced with serious issues of inequality, unemployment, and poor health. I represent a ward where these problems are significant. So naturally, councillors want to do more and want more from the Council.

Some of these issues are beyond the powers of any Local Authority and, indeed, national government. But we can have a positive impact on the lives of people if we work together across sectors, across service areas and across parties, as we do in T&F groups.

There need to be more opportunities, especially for members who are not serving on committees, to feed into the policies of this Council.

Our role cannot be simply to complain and criticise when things go wrong. We need to contribute positively, so that we can have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Litter issues in Grangetown

2011-06-14T10:00:00.001+01:00

At a recent residents' meeting, there were complaints regarding litter in Stafford Road (Wedmore Road end), Compton Street and Sussex Street. Residents told me that the Council has been very active, but that some residents keep on fly-tipping and littering in the area.

I asked the Council to send an education officer to talk to residents in the area explaining the services the Council provides, such as bulk collections, also food waste and recycling. I have also requested bins to be provided by the Neville Pub on Cornwall Street and the top end of Stafford Road. In reference to this, I received assurance that the bins will be installed as soon as they are delivered by the manufacturer.

I was told by the Council that the Education Team would visit the area and distribute waste education packs that will include information on all the services on offer and how to use them as well as the Household Waste Recycling Centres and Bulky Item Collection information.

The Team will also door-knock all the streets in the section north of Cornwall Street. If the residents are not available the pack will be posted through the letter box.

Bargoed Street Alley-gating - Update

2011-06-13T11:31:00.003+01:00

I have requested the lanes by Bargoed Street to be considered for alley-gating. The initial request (back in November) had been turned down because of low crime statistics.

When this happens, the area is monitored by another team. If they think that things are worse and alley-gating is needed, they can recommend alley-gating. I recently asked for an update on the situation.

However, as I was informed of a specific criminal incident, I asked for the area to be looked at it for alley-gating again. The Team told me that they’ll be looking at it afresh.

Apologies if my previous post caused confusion!!!

Alley-gating - Update

2011-06-13T11:30:00.000+01:00

I have been informed that the following lanes are being fitted with gates:

Stockland St/Penheavd St
Redlaver St / Stockland St
Pentrebane St / St Fagans / Llanmaes St
Penarth Rd / Redlaver St / Paget St
Penhavd St/ Pentrebane St
Grange Pl / Newport St

Requests for Safety Measures in Cornwall Street

2011-06-12T22:14:00.002+01:00

I requested safety measures for Cornwall Street as traffic keeps on travelling too fast.

As previously reported, the crossings are a great improvement. However, there have been reports of near-misses.

I have (again!!) reported this and asked for an update on the situation.

Action on Roads: Clare Rd and Mardy Street

2011-06-12T21:58:00.002+01:00

I have received complaints regarding the poor state of the pavements on Clare Road. When it rains, the pavements flood easily and pedestrians find difficult to walk there. I requested Clare Road to be inspected and the works needed to be carried out.

I have also been contacted by local residents regarding the double yellow lines on Mardy Street which still need to be painted. I requested action and am awaiting a response.

Request for Bins for Dog Waste - Taff Embankment

2011-06-12T21:49:00.003+01:00

After being contacted by local residents, I requested bins along Taff Embankment, especially to dispose of dog waste. Taff Embankment is a popular route for dog walkers who too often have to walk for long stretches of the embankment before finding a bin.

I had previously requested for the area to be monitored for any instance of dog fouling, which had been reported to me. As a result, letters were sent to residents and the area inspected.

Officers are looking at ways to tackle the problem across all Council service areas and are engaging with the Dog Wardens and parks in an attempt to develop a strategy to deal with dog fouling.

Further Request for Alley-gating - Bargoed Street

2011-06-12T21:39:00.002+01:00

I asked for an update on the request for alley-gating between Bargoed Street and Clydach Street. This was subject of a petition which I presented in Council on the 17th of November 2010.

Residents have complained that the lane is being used for drug dealing. I am very concerned about the situation and hope alley-gating can be installed. This has proved very successful in other parts of Grangetown.

Action in Oakley Place

2011-06-12T21:37:00.000+01:00

Following complaints from local residents of Oakley Place, I requested action on the following problems:

- rubbish and rubble are being left in the lanes;
- dog fouling, especially on the grass verges by Clive Street;
- the black bins are not being from numbers 29 to 22;

The cleansing inspected the area, in particular, Oakley Place and Clive Street. Officers tell me that the levels of dog fouling and litter in the area are being monitored. The waste collection team were requested to ensure that the bins are collected from numbers 29 to 22.

Action on Traffic and Parking on Sloper Road

2011-04-06T11:43:00.003+01:00

I have been contacted by residents with reports of near-misses on Virgil Street/Sloper Road. Cars are travelling fast from Sloper Road onto Cornwall Street. I raised this problem back in February. Council officers' initial reply was that they would investigate this and look into traffic calming measures for this particular spot. I have received more complaints and chased this matter up today.

Residents at PACT mtg last night also raised concerns about the wild parking in the area (Powderham Drive, Sloper Road etc.) on match days. I have requested traffic inspectors to patrol the area. Cars often block people's driveways, which is an offence. Therefore, the Police will also patrol the area.

Finally, there were complaints about the parking for the school run. I have requested traffic inspectors and the Police will also ensure that cars don't cause obstruction.

Requests for Alleygates

2011-04-05T23:12:00.001+01:00

There have been issues of antisocial behaviour in the lanes running parallel to Corporation Road, in particular Ystrad Street and Cymmer Street. I raised it earlier this evening with the Police at PACT meeting and have asked the Council for alleygating in these specific locations. I have also asked for an update on alley-gating in the area.

I have also reported the problem with the gate in the lane on Corporation Road at the back of the Buzz café. It seems that the lock is broken.

Roads Improvements for Safer Routes

2011-04-05T22:55:00.000+01:00

As part of the Safer Routes’ Programme the following is being proposed:

Build out on Redlaver Street by the surgery;
Ferry Road puffin crossing near Amherst Street;
Zebra crossing on Corporation Road by Grange Gardens and build outs on Pentrebane Street end and Holmesdale Street;
Cambridge Street build out and improvement to the bus stop opposite;
Build out for the tabled crossing by Abercynon Street;
Paget Street build out to make clearer that the route (Paget Street onto Penarth Road) is only for buses;
Build outs for Havelock Street.