Dear Editor,
We were dismayed to see in an email to us from a Director at Caerphilly Council, dismiss genuine public concern over the Bedwas “reclamation” project as so-called “misinformation.” The Director offers reassurances but without any new facts. If any “misinformation” has been shared, then we look forward to clarification from CCBC so residents are accurately informed.
Let’s be clear: the unrest in our communities was not created by residents, but by the council’s own unlawful decision to withhold borehole test results — a breach confirmed by the Information Commissioner. These boreholes were located coinciding with a known coal outcrop and not upon the tip itself. The council admits, they were drilled to locate coal, and the results withheld “to protect economic interest.” When activity like this is hidden from the public, questioning the council’s true motives isn’t “misinformation” — it’s common sense.
Despite repeated reassurances that this project is about safety, the council refuses to explain the clear evidence of coal prospecting or the climate and environmental implications of trucking coal through the Sirhowy Country Park for years to come. Tens of thousands of coal lorries, noise, and dust will blight our ward, yet council reports to Cabinet list benefits for Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen, but nowhere do they mention the benefits—or the detriments—to the people of Ynysddu Ward. Do our residents not matter?
As elected councillors, it’s our duty to ask tough questions, no matter how ‘disappointing’ the council finds it. But the lack of openness, transparency, and partnership has left us – and our residents – in the dark. Excluded from council meetings about the project, and given no information or updates, we’ve had no choice but to undertake the research work ourselves to keep residents informed.
Instead of deflecting with accusations, CCBC should engage honestly with the community it claims to serve, publish the full facts, and be transparent about exactly what is planned. Our residents deserve clarity — not dismissal.
Sincerely
Cllr Janine Reed & Cllr Jan Jones,
Independent Ward Councillors for the Ynysddu Ward.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/coaltips
https://www.facebook.com/groups/coaltips/posts/1514403706608323/?comment_id=1514507526597941
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