Residents across Barry and the Vale are furious with the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s approach to the issue of dropped kerbs. The Vale Council have begun charging residents for the installation of dropped kerbs to allow access into their own driveways, these costs can exceed £1000 with an additional £215 application fee being insisted upon as well.
Vale MP Alun Cairns facilitated a meeting between local councillors and residents to discuss the issue and support residents in finding a way forward. The meeting took place at Brynhill Golf Club in Barry.
The MP has since been working closely with a residents community group regarding the issue to try and work with the Vale Council to find a solution.
Residents were frustrated and even frightened at the prospect of paying extortionate charges if the Council enforce the installation of dropped kerbs. There was anger on the Council’s insistence on a £215 ‘application fee’ while the Council simultaneously insists upon the necessity of these changes taking place. One local resident commented on their relatives effected, who were close to 90 years old and had been using their drive for forty years. It was highlighted that they were terrified at the cost and simply didn’t have the money.
Mr Cairns commented, “For many people the previous existing arrangement had been functioning for decades, these charges appear to be nothing but another revenue raising exercise for the Council, rather than a legitimate cost. At the meeting we explored a long list of issues with the Council’s approach and together we have put a plan in place to take this forward. As we emerge from a pandemic which has had such an impact on people, it’s hard to understand why the Council are making this a focus of their resources.”
A resident campaign group has now been established to challenge the Vale Council on this issue and Alun Cairns has agreed to write to the Council’s leadership so that direct conversations can take place to find a solution.
The Vale MP added, “There are examples of elderly residents who were panicked by the letter, having used their driveway for decades, and also examples of people who simply do not have the funds. This would force people to park on the roads which creates significant safety concerns, particularly when we consider access for emergency vehicles. I urge the Vale Council to engage with our community and to drop these plans.”
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