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AGREED to provide feedback to the Cabinet and to send a letter to BT highlighting the concerns raised.
AGREED to: · note the content of the report. · present feedback to Cabinet on the Committee’s satisfaction with the report, to acknowledge the challenges encountered along with the solutions and to congratulate the service and all involved with the scheme.
AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · The Committee had been invited to visit Food Centre Wales, Horeb in September for an overview of future developments at the site. · Report on the income generated in Ceredigion Council-owned carparks for 24-25 and 25-26, to include Aberystwyth Promenade – report requested for December meeting prior to 27/28 budget setting process. · A Task and Finish Group to be set up to discuss ideas for a possible Parking Strategy.
i. Councillor John Roberts apologised for leaving the meeting early due to other Council business. ii. Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Local Member for Aberaeron and Aberarth apologised for her inability to attend the meeting due to other Council business.
Councillor Keith Henson declared a personal interest under items 4 and 5, and under item 6, in matters related to parking charges in Council-owned car parks.
An open day was due to be held at Food Centre Wales, Horeb on 18 June 2026 between 10am and 3pm.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED to provide feedback to the Cabinet and to send a letter to BT highlighting the concerns raised.
The Chair welcomed representatives from various utility companies to the meeting and extended his thanks for their attendance. Phil Jones, Corporate Manager: Highways, Assets & Infrastructure provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following: · Road Closures · Legislation (Highways Act 1980, Road Traffic Legislation Act 1984, New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Traffic Management Act 2004) · Number of Road Closures Requested - 25/26 financial year · Number of Emergency Applications · Overall Breakdown of Application Type Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers and representatives from various utility companies. The main points raised were as follows: · From the 922 road closures in 2025-26, BT Open Reach accounted for 542 (59%) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) accounted for 327 (36%) of the applications. There was no specific definition of an ‘emergency road closure’, as an emergency for one person or utility company may not be deemed an emergency by another. Officers explained that the service processed applications based on the information submitted by companies, and if the application was classified as an emergency, the service had to work within those needs. The service worked closely and pragmatically with companies and challenged applications to ensure there was no or limited disruption to the public. · Concerns were raised in relation to the number of emergency road closures undertaken by BT Open Reach, as opposed to planned works. In addition, concerns were raised with the lengthy duration BT Open Reach closed the roads with no work being done each day, and with road closure signs and traffic lights left in operation over weekends by sub-contractors, which impacted on residents and the local economy. Members extended their disappointment that there were no representatives from BT Open Reach present, and suggested a letter was sent to the company highlighting the concerns raised. · Following concerns on the timing of road closures during large events, near schools in term-time and weekly livestock markets, Utility Companies were encouraged to be mindful and avoid key dates in the calendar to limit disruption and congestion. It was noted that the Streetworks team coordinated daily with utility companies as part of their responsibility. Utility companies and officers were encouraged to communicate more effectively with local ward members, to ensure any key messages or planned/ emergency road closures were shared in a timely manner with residents. North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) published a bulletin of the current projects, and information was also available on the Council’s Roadworks website page. · It was suggested that utility companies worked more collaboratively to ensure any planned works for the same section of the highway were completed within the same timescale. Officers clarified there were quarterly coordination meetings with utility companies to discuss work programmes and to coordinate works on the highway network as effectively as possible to limit congestion and disruption. · It was noted that Streetworks Inspectors visited and advised on works, but this was restrictive and managed within the guidance, for the safety of the public and the workers. The local authority inspected and was able to penalise companies if the reinstatement failed, which could be due to incorrect depth or material. · It was noted that during road closures, a traffic management system had to be in place equal to the road closed. Members suggested that the name of the specific section closed could be added to the road closure signs in the future for the benefit of residents. · In relation to a question on the frequent closure of the road near the service reservoir in Synod Inn during droughts as opposed to using the access available nearby which would not disrupt motorists, representatives from DCWW agreed to investigate the matter. · In response to concerns related to the recent works by National Grid on the A482 between Aberaeron and Felinfach, the representative for National Grid explained that they had worked closely with the contractors and the local authority’s Streetworks Service to limit disruption to residents and businesses. It was noted that although it may have appeared as though no work was being done at certain sections manned by traffic lights, the excavation may have been open to allow for cables to be pulled through at a later stage. · DCWW were praised for their communication with residents, including the effective interactive online map and the SMS alerts system in place, and it was a model to follow. Following a query on whether it would be possible to include road closures by DCWW on the interactive online map, representatives from the company agreed to raise this with the Communications Department. Each utility company was given an opportunity to address the Committee as outlined below: · Gemma Bishop, DCWW explained that they worked collaboratively to limit disruption where possible with local authorities and other utility companies. She explained that the company were currently investing heavily in West Wales due to an ageing structure. She added that Welsh Government were in the early stages of developing a Network Occupancy Project similar to England, which would enable all utility companies to share notices of any road works or activities on highways. In response to the duration of works, she explained that the 3–4 day emergency road closures were deemed the most cost-effective by their regulators. · Keith Danies, DCWW added that the company were renewing approximately 360km of high-risk assets prone to bursts in the region, including in the Llanafan and Gorsgoch area. In relation to communication, there would be calls, letter drops to residents containing updates, including 2 weeks before the works and a drop-in session locally a month prior to the start of a scheme. He added that following the reinstatement of a road, there was a 2-year defect in place, which ensured any defects were rectified at the cost of the utility company. · Amie Jones, Wales & West Utilities stated that they joined the quarterly coordination meetings and were always open to collaboration where possible. During any large schemes, the company sent letters 3 to 4 weeks before the start date, drop-in sessions were held and information was posted on social media. During any road closures, letters were circulated outlining the diversions, and an officer would visit and be contactable during the works. · Helen Evans, SP Energy Networks explained they relied on the Streetworks Team to share the details of works in the area, as no Network Occupancy Management system was available in Wales yet. During any road closures, the company served advance notice signs 2 weeks in advance and a letter drop. · Tomos Jameson, National Grid explained that there were processes in place by the company during any works. For major works, notices were issued 3 months in advance, and the team coordinated with the Streetworks team to ensure any key events in the area was avoided, or measures were in place to reinstate the area if required. Prior to the works, the company would go through the whole route, and consider any major businesses impacted. In addition, letters were circulated to households a month or two before the works and on-site letters, which included the supervisor’s details to report any issues or change in circumstances. A webpage with project details such as traffic management had been developed for the Felinfach project, and for future projects to improve engagement and enable Elected Members to share updates with the community. National Grid had a text message system in operation, which could be utilised during power cuts. · Officers suggested that information on how the public could contact different utilities could be added to the Council’s website. The Chair and Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services thanked the representatives from various utility companies for their contribution and for a meaningful discussion. It was AGREED to provide feedback to the Cabinet and to send a letter to BT highlighting the concerns raised.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED to: · note the content of the report. · present feedback to Cabinet on the Committee’s satisfaction with the report, to acknowledge the challenges encountered along with the solutions and to congratulate the service and all involved with the scheme.
Councillor Shelley Childs (Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services) presented an update to the Committee on the completion and the outcomes of the Aberaeron Coastal Defence Scheme. He explained that the scheme achieved practical completion on 30.09.2025 and provided an improved standard of protection to Aberaeron against coastal flooding and erosion. The project experienced delivery challenges, resulting in delays and cost pressures. There were a small number of post-completion issues to resolve, including beach/shingle movement, harbour channel maintenance requirements and outstanding party wall matters. These were being managed through the project’s governance and risk management arrangements. Overall, the investment objectives set out in the approved business case were considered to have been achieved, alongside wider placemaking benefits for residents, businesses and visitors. From a community benefit perspective, for every £1 spent on the contract, a further 68p was reinvested in the Welsh economy. Rhodri Llwyd, Corporate Lead Officer: Highways and Environmental Services provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following: · Why the scheme was needed · Approval, Funding and Project Roles · What was built and the scale of the scheme – materials · How do we know it is working – main aims (Investment Objectives and associated targets achieved) · Wider benefits · Key Challenges, Programme and Cost Overview · Current Position and Key Steps · Summary and Conclusion Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers and Councillor Shelley Childs. The main points raised were as follows: · The scheme had drawn significant attention, with over 82,000 pedestrians accessing the new breakwater walkway as of 08.06.2026. Committee Members thanked Officers for their vision and for securing the future of Aberaeron. · In response to the shingle entering the harbour channel following the completion of the works, Officers clarified that some sediment movement had been predicted, as outlined in the Sediment Transport Modelling Report by Atkins and other reports developed during scheme development. It was not possible to predict to what extent and how often shingle would enter as it depended on wave direction and the prevailing conditions, but there was an expectation it would improve with time as beach levels settled, as had been the case since the latest removal and re-profile of shingle above the Mean High Water Springs water mark in April 2026. Removal of the shingle was not a part of the scheme’s contract, and the local authority were employing local contractors to undertake responsive maintenance as required. · In relation to South Pier’s groyne, it was noted that the length of the current rock groyne was the same as the original timber groyne prior to the scheme, but the final product was not as high. There were ongoing discussions with Atkins on whether any ongoing works, adjustments or longer-term remedial actions were required to the groyne to reduce the occurrence of shingle entering the harbour channel. Atkins was expected to reach a conclusion in the next 4-6 months. Officers noted that further work on the stone groyne would be subject to the appropriate consents, such as a new Marine Licence. · Officers clarified that significant consultation, including a public consultation had been undertaken during the design of the scheme. In addition, public consultation was a part of the process of gaining Marine Licence and Planning consents. · In response to a suggestion that other coastal defences/breakwaters faced the opposite direction to Aberaeron’s coastal defence, it was noted that the main aim of the Aberaeron Coastal Defence Scheme was to prevent waves from the north-west entering the harbour, as that was the direction of greatest flood risk, and therefore was the placement and design of the breakwater off the North Pier was correct. Officers added that whilst it was frustrating and disappointing that the removal of shingle had to be undertaken, this was always a possibility and the purpose of the scheme was to significantly reduce coastal flood and erosion risk to Aberaeron. · It was noted that harbour dredging at Aberaeron, New Quay and Aberystwyth was already done on a needs basis and was funded from the Harbours Budget. The removal of shingle from Aberaeron associated with the coastal defence scheme would be funded from the Coastal Defence budget. Officers clarified that the removal of shingle in Borth was also done on a needs basis in relation to flood risk management. · In respect to the £4.007m overspend, the Council’s Section 151 Officer had provided re-assurance that should Welsh Government not provide additional support, funding was in place, as outlined under Financing Summary in the report. This included utilising suitable grants such as the UK Shared Prosperity Funding. No revenue funding would be used, and there would be no impact on Ceredigion’s residents. Officers explained that although lobbying and discussions with Welsh Government Ministers on financing the overspend had proved promising, Civil Servants managed the budget, and the funding had not materialised unfortunately. · The Project Board received regular updates during the scheme and was aware of the need to re-design the location of the abutments at Pwll Cam and the resulting delays. As a result, the Board were able to challenge Project Managers to ensure other elements of the scheme were able to move forward with the resources available. · Officers clarified that the four bi-fold flood gates along Quay Parade and the Pwll Cam flood gate were manually closed. Tidal conditions were closely monitored to ensure any appropriate action could be undertaken; however, tidal monitoring equipment was due to be installed shortly, that would support decision-making. It was noted that the original plan was to install drop-down hydraulic flood gates along Quay Parade, but following consideration, manual hinged gates had been installed, which had saved circa £200k and resulted in less future maintenance requirements. · In terms of future coastal defence schemes in Ceredigion, any lessons learned from this scheme would be applied to others, such as having a different form of contract in place. During the Aberaeron scheme, certain decisions had to be made by certain dates such as the contract that had to be in place by 30.03.2023 due to funding windows. In addition, the full design could have been completed prior to the contract had time allowed, however, any delay beyond March 2023would have resulted in the Welsh Government funding being withdrawn, which would have jeopardized delivery of the entire scheme. Previous Capital Grant Schemes have been fully funded, however, the funding model available at the time was the only available model for the scheme, resulting in a requirement for the Council to provide 15% of the cost of the scheme. · Aberystwyth’s Coastal Defence Scheme had secured funding for the Outline Business Case, and Full Business Case and Detailed Design, with the aim of completing this design work in the next 3 years. There was no predicted start date for the scheme, as it depended on the level of investment required and availability of funding. · In response to a question on the use of rocks from Norway, it was noted that there were several factors for this decision, such as the availability and suitability of the rocks. Rocks were also sourced, where available in sufficient size, from Ystrad Meurig and France for the scheme. It was noted that the use of locally sourced stone for the scheme at Noth Beach in 2009, resulted in local stones supplies being depleted. Committee Members thanked Officers for a comprehensive report. This was echoed by the Chair, who noted the unfortunate delay to the report being presented to the committee. It was AGREED to: · note the content of the report. · present feedback to Cabinet on the Committee’s satisfaction with the report, to acknowledge the challenges encountered along with the solutions and to congratulate the service and all involved with the scheme.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · The Committee had been invited to visit Food Centre Wales, Horeb in September for an overview of future developments at the site. · Report on the income generated in Ceredigion Council-owned carparks for 24-25 and 25-26, to include Aberystwyth Promenade – report requested for December meeting prior to 27/28 budget setting process. · A Task and Finish Group to be set up to discuss ideas for a possible Parking Strategy.
It was AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme presented subject to the following: · The Committee had been invited to visit Food Centre Wales, Horeb in September for an overview of future developments at the site. · Report on the income generated in Ceredigion Council-owned carparks for 24-25 and 25-26, to include Aberystwyth Promenade – report requested for December meeting prior to 27/28 budget setting process. · A Task and Finish Group to be set up to discuss ideas for a possible Parking Strategy.
It was AGREED to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2026 and 19 March 2026. Matters arising: None.
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