Aberdare UK FB: It’s very disappointing to see this walkway is still impassable after all the money and time that has been spent trying to put it right

Aberdare UK FB: It’s very disappointing to see this walkway is still impassable after all the money and time that has been spent trying to put it right

Ynys Public Right of Way Blocked Again—A Recurring Issue

Once again, the Ynys Public Right of Way (PROW) is blocked, causing frustration for local residents. Route 478, which connects the Taff Trail to the south with the Brecon Beacons and the Heads of Valleys cycle route (Route 46) to the north, remains impassable.

Despite the council spending tens of thousands on submergible water pumps, these continue to fail due to the high iron ore content in the ground. The pumps clog and rust quickly, rendering them ineffective—history has proven this outcome time and time again.

Consider the Aberdare Canal: once navigable by barges, it has now deteriorated, silted up, and been left to decay like much of the Cynon Valley. This neglect directly contributes to flooding issues on the PROW. Additionally, large-scale developments have raised the levels of the Aberaman floodplain, exacerbating the problem. Instead of considering the long-term consequences, the focus seems to be on generating additional revenue for the council.

This footpath is a crucial link between Cwmbach and Aberdare Town, providing a safe, traffic-free route for pedestrians, including schoolchildren. However, its maintenance has been severely lacking.

Natural Resources Wales has previously attempted to clear the canal culvert near Cwmbach Road, but their efforts have been insufficient. Cleaning the canal properly is necessary—unlike the approach taken by the contractor working for RCT Council, who merely dumped the silt on the bank, allowing it to wash back in after heavy rain.

Beneath the overgrown vegetation shown in the photographs lie the outlets for the water pumps.

The council recently cleaned and replaced the French drain with new stone but failed to do the same on the opposite side of the footpath. As a result, sludge continues to flow into the pump chamber, highlighting yet another example of poor management.

For reference, the salaries of senior council officials remain substantial:

  • Service Director Level 1: £86,422
  • Director Level 2: £99,412
  • Director Level 1: £107,530
  • Chief Executive: £164,358

While residents deal with flooding and infrastructure failures, these figures serve as a stark reminder of where financial priorities may lie.

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