Cycle track temporarily closed for flood defences work

A well-used cycle track and footpath has been temporarily closed to make way for new flood defences.

Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) said they decided to close the path in Ogmore Vale due to “safety concerns” as work on a new drainage system to reduce potential flooding risks gets underway.

The path, which is regularly used by pedestrians, will be closed until the expected completion date of the new drainage system in Spring 2022.

The new drainage system is associated with a flood alleviation scheme – funded in conjunction with the Welsh Government – aimed at protecting homes on Commercial Street.

Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations, Dhanisha Patel, said: “Whilst I know the temporary closure will cause disruption and inconvenience, the decision would not have been made if the work being undertaken wasn’t essential.

“The work is vital to the flood defences in the area as it will vastly improve drainage capability during periods of heavy rainfall and I’d like to thank local residents for their understanding.”

The Council said that the existing culvert is in poor structural condition and was a contributing factor to the flooding of properties during the storms in February 2020.

A number of storms have hit Bridgend County Borough, along with many other parts of Wales, with strong winds and heavy rains over the past couple of weeks.

A BCBC spokesperson said: “A new surface water pipeline is to be installed on the cycle path, necessary to ease flood risk in the area and mitigate future flood risk to the residential properties.

“There is limited space on the cycle path which unfortunately means the entire width of the cycle path will need to be closed for the duration of the construction works.

“The closure of the cycle path will enable the construction works to be undertaken safely, protecting construction workers as well as local residents including parents and school children, and will also limit the duration of the construction works.”

The Council added that an alternative route along the main road has been planned for users of the track and a map will be made available showing the cycle track diversion.