Grandad is driven to despair

May 1 2008 by Sian Watts, Rhymney Valley Express

A WORRIED grandfather says a new Rhymney Valley bypass will pose serious dangers to children.

Morris Ellis, of Commercial Street, Aberbargoed, said the Angel Way scheme in Bargoed will inflict unbearable traffic on his little village and, in particular, very close to the school.

The 69-year-old has lived in Aberbargoed all his life and feels the people in the village have been given no consideration whatsoever.

He said: “We have had years of under-investment in this village, and they think the Bargoed bypass will heal all wounds. Well, it won’t.

“They think this is a victory for the area, for Bargoed yes, but not for our village. It is going to be a nightmare.”

Mr Ellis said the traffic already drives far too close to pedestrians, including schoolchildren and parents with prams.

He believes it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse.

He said: “The dangers need to be highlighted.

“Now even more traffic will blight our village, we want, and are due, some answers with regards to the vast increase of traffic through our village front.

“It is dangerous for our young children. The school is where the road comes out. It was badly thought out, a bypass for Aberbargoed is essential.

“Aberbargoed should be considered.

“We don’t want promises from the council it is going to be done in a few years, we want it done now.

“Wake up you good people here, wake up and start banging the drum for Aberbargoed.”

A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The new Angel Way road scheme is a long-awaited regeneration project that will bring many benefits to Bargoed, Aberbargoed and the surrounding communities. The road will improve the local highway network, help alleviate traffic congestion and provide a convenient, accessible route for motorists. The road, along with the associated regeneration scheme planned for Bargoed will help breathe new life into the whole valley in the near future.”

What are your views? Call Sian Watts at the Express on 01685 856501