February 2026 – County Councillor Reports
Below are the monthly reports from your County Councillors for the Radyr & Morganstown Ward.
Cllr Calum Davies – February report
Received by the Web Team on 1 March 2026
Budget
The Council has announced another inflation-busting Council Tax increase of 3.9%. This is despite raising it by more than inflation for several years. I will be voting against this rise and supporting an alternative budget from the Conservatives who, as always, have proposed a balanced budget with a considerably lower increase. Since I was elected, I have never voted to increase council tax by more than inflation, and I won’t be changing my approach when voting on this Budget.
Additionally, whilst chairing a committee meeting on the Budget, I was alarmed to hear about the lack of financial planning in place for the Council to meet its lawful obligations regarding the Equality Act following the Supreme Court ruling last April for enforcing single-sex spaces, compliance with which local authorities across the land are stalling on. Following scrutiny from myself, it was confirmed that Cardiff Council is not compliant with the law.
Unannounced, wasteful roadworks
Last August, there was much consternation about the removal of 20mph road-markings on Heol Isaf despite it remaining the speed limit. This is, ironically, a direct legal consequence of the Welsh Labour Government’s imposition of the new national default speed limit and meant resources were needlessly squandered on this exercise instead of filling potholes and fixing footpaths in the ward.
I expressed my displeasure at a full meeting of Cardiff Council and was very disappointed to hear this work has recommenced on Bryn Derwen with no prior notice provided to myself nor residents despite making it very clear at that meeting that we should be forewarned. Very disappointed to see taxpayer money wasted in this way when we are crying out for potholes and pavements to be fixed. Meanwhile, I hope to have good news to report on mending the crossing outside Christ Church soon.
Festival help
The RMA are looking for volunteers to help out with this year’s annual festival. Whether you can help out a little bit or a lot, they would be most grateful for any assistance is continuing to host this fixture in the community’s calendar. Do visit their sign-up form via the link RMA Volunteers – 2026 Update – Fill in form or contact rmamembers@gmail.com
Surgery
My next surgery will be in the Castle Room at the Old Church Rooms from 5pm-6:45pm on Thursday 19th March. No appointment is needed but feel free to let me know in advance if you will be coming.
Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones – February Report
Received by the Web Team on 06 March 2026
Wish I’d written this at the end of February. Life has changed for the world with the events over the weekend of March 1st. Ironically, on our St David’s day when we remember his advice to keep the faith, to be joyful and to do the little things that make each other’s lives easier. Not the best choice of weekend then to choose to go to war.
All I do know, is that we can choose how we think and how we behave. And what we believe. Over the ages, people have turned to prayer to work miracles, and recently there have been books about “The Secret” and power and how we can manifest what we want simply by visualizing it will happen.
So, in our small corner of planet earth, let’s visualise peace, let’s visualise a world where our children are safe and can travel all over the globe and meet other youngsters from other countries and learn how much we all have in common.
Remember reading that children brought up in happy, loving homes have more empathy and are better able to be resilient in difficult situations. It is important that you give the children as much stability, reassurance and love as possible.
Headline items
The budget
Have just returned from the Budget Council meeting. We are seeing the advantages of a Labour government in Westminster, at the Senedd and a Labour majority in Cardiff Council. Better Funding is reaching the Council. There are no front-line cuts. Our Council Tax increase of 3.9% is the lowest in Wales and looks as if it is the lowest in England and Wales. There is going to be additional funding for schools, children and adult services.
Buses
Good to see that as the weather improves and the word spreads, there appear to be more people using our buses. The bus I saw go by this morning looked almost full. It was still on Heol Isaf heading for Cardiff.
To encourage more people onto the bus, we are still hoping to have an Easter Bunny bus. And a National Walking Week event using the bus to take us to the start of a walk. Please keep an eye out for information on the Easter Bunny bus. We’ll use Radyr and Morganstown Community Council’s social media and the Radyr and Morganstown Association social media and it will be on my Facebook page Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones if/when we have more details to share with you.
Snowdrop Park
The Penrhys Pilgrimage Way Project have shared the funding costs with Radyr and Morganstown Community Council. As the weather improves, we’ll see a gate going in with a disabled friendly access linking the Snowdrop Park with Pant Tawel. In the meantime, be aware that although Pant Tawel looks like an ancient country lane (which it is) traffic still does use it to get to the houses the other side of the motorway.
Radyr
Station Road
The Community Council has been trying to move things forward. We have recently heard that the Co-op intend to lease the space next to it for the next year or so and that we should see an improvement to the look of the street.
Zebra crossing by Radyr Medical Centre and Christchurch
Both councillors have been told that the zebra crossing will be put right in this financial year. However the weather has been against us, and Cllr Davies informed me this evening that he had been advised the work would be delayed. I had already reminded the Council how dangerous the Zebra Crossing is at the start of this week. I am hoping that it will indeed be put right very soon.
Junction between Drysgol Road and Windsor Road and Windsor Avenue.
Many of us were upset watching the roads being cut up to remove the 20 mph roundels. It did seem a waste of money. However, there is a legal let out clause if the roundels are in situ and that the police have tried to prosecute drivers for speeding but have not been successful.
Since the police focused the Council’s attention on the roundels on Brynderwen and Drysgol Road, hopefully now that work has been done, the police will be able to follow through when they catch people speeding and the junction at Drysgol Road will become safer.
There is a case for a zebra crossing on Drysgol Road and/ or the top of Park Road to make it safer for the school children.
Golf Club Lane
Have flagged up that we always wanted the option of emergency vehicles being able to use the lane. There is a simple, inexpensive fix to the current layout put in place by the developers which has been pointed out.
Parc Plymouth
If you have a problem, you can email getintouch@plasdwr.co.uk There is also a community fund grant scheme which can be accessed via getintouch@plasdwr.co.uk as well.
A new litter bin in St Philbert’s street wasn’t emptied. It is not on Council land. The Council hadn’t even been informed the bin existed.
The developers need to set up service agreements with Cardiff Council. I know the Council has reached out to the developers. It looks as if it is going to be an on-going issue until every new house is occupied
Radyr Woods
If you are interested in helping the Radyr Wood Wardens (all volunteers), contact assistantclerk@radyr.wales
Drovers Way Light
No change from last month. I keep thinking we have solved the problem and then there is always something else to sort. We are much closer to having a light than we were. One day it will appear. In the meantime, please be aware the path forks and in the darkness, you may not spot there is a difference in levels between the path and the side. So, take care and take a torch.
Pavements
No change from last month Have asked if Hazel Tree Close could be done. Another words, let’s work down the “Trees “estate. Have also asked if Woodfield Avenue can be done. It is used a lot by dogwalkers wanting to go into Radyr Woods, and by Radyr Comp pupils as well as the residents. The flagstones are very broken.
Morganstown
Graig Wen
Have asked again for the Bus Stop Sign to be reinstated.
Radyr Rangers (RR) SECOND PRIORITY
Had a meeting with Radyr Rangers, Amey and Cardiff Council again in February. All the vibes are positive. We will hold on to our vision of having a Club House that can be used as a community building.
Morganstown Village Hall
The existing trustees would welcome help. Let me know if you are interested.
Quotes have been sought to repair the roof which is great news. Radyr and Morganstown Community Council (RMCC) have offered to add their booking details to the software that RMCC use.
Radyr and Morganstown
Radyr Comprehensive School Swimming Pool
Scaffolding went up quickly, but work seems to have stopped. Will try and find out why
Retirement of Mr Andrew Williams Headteacher.
The school will miss Mr Williams when he retires. He has kept the tradition of academic excellence at Radyr Comprehensive School in place. There have also been developments to help children who don’t find it that easy to learn and to make going to school an enjoyable experience. Best wishes Mr Williams from us all. We wish you a very happy retirement.
Flooding under the M4 bridge
Been told this has been referred to the Flooding Department. Hopefully this summer we will see work being done to improve the drainage there.
Flooding by Pughs Garden Centre
Definite improvement this winter. We need to keep the channels for Cwm Farm stream as clear as possible. Noticed nearly everything the Council did last year to improve the situation has been demolished by the water in the stream. We obviously need to clear the channels several times a year.
Litter Picking
There is an active group of volunteer litter pickers. Please contact peter.fortuneuk@gmail.com for details. Big litter pick happening on Saturday March 14th starting at 10 am. Meet at Morganstown Village Hall Car Park. New volunteers always welcome.
There will be another session on April 11th at 10 am meeting at Radyr Station Car Park. Thanks to everyone who helps and a big thank you to Peter Fortune for his leadership.
Thank you too to all of you who pick up some litter every time you walk your dog. Lots of us picking up a little does make a difference. Throwing litter out of the car, doesn’t fit the idyllic rural image of the area. If you enjoy living here because the place has a lovely feel about it, please don’t throw rubbish or tuck it in the hedgerow or behind electricity boxes.
I have a Facebook page Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones Do please follow me
Youth Work THIRD PRIORITY
Cardiff Youth Services are working in Radyr Comprehensive and at the Hub in Radyr.
Police Incidents
When we ask for a regular police patrol, we get told there aren’t enough incidents to justify their presence. Please use swp101@south-wales.police.uk and flag up any incident if you witness one.
Parking and Drop off’s by Radyr Comprehensive
There is no easy solution but with the extra buses, if your children can travel to school by bus, please encourage them to do so.
Radyr Weir Landing Stage
No change this month.
Dog poo
Please pick up your dog’s poos using a dog poo bag. Dogs’ poos can carry parasites and bacteria. The big risk is ocular toxocariasis, which can make you blind. There are other infections people can pick up. Make sure you worm your dog regularly. Pick up your dog’s poos. Don’t leave them.
Events
I have been to two Iftars this month and the Lord Mayor’s Civic Service. Heart warming to receive such wonderful welcomes from all three events.