A debate over a playing field fence in Waunarlwydd is causing a stir among locals, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue
Waunarlwydd: There’s a bit of a ruckus going on in Waunarlwydd over some fencing around the local playing fields. The council is putting the fence back up to keep the fields safe from damage and, let’s be honest, dog mess. They’re backing the local football club, Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC, which takes care of the pitches.
So, here’s the scoop: some of the fencing was taken down for a bit while the council figured out the legal stuff after residents complained about not being able to access the land. The council bought this land way back in 1947, and it’s meant for sports and recreation. But there’s a group that’s not too happy about the fence and wants to know more about how the council got the land.
A council spokesperson said they looked into the complaints and decided to let the club put the fence back up. They want to protect the fields from vandalism and other issues that have popped up over the years. The club is thrilled to have the fields secured again, saying it’s a vital space for the community.
Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC has a whopping 24 teams and uses the fields a lot, especially in the summer. They’re all about keeping the fields in good shape for everyone to enjoy. The club has hosted all sorts of events, from concerts to family days, and even the local primary school uses the fields regularly.
On the flip side, the Waunarlwydd Playing Fields Action Group is pretty upset about the fence going back up. They’re worried about kids not being able to access the fields and are looking for answers from the council about the land purchase. One resident, Crystal Gale, mentioned that the lack of access really affects the community, especially for kids heading to school.
Just a few months ago, the council’s planning committee looked at a request to register public footpaths across the fields to ensure access. But they turned it down, saying it didn’t fit with how the land is used. However, they did record some nearby paths as public footpaths.