WORK has begun to improve drainage and tackle flooding on the Ash Path that links Dinas Powys to Penarth.

New drains and piping is being laid on Aberdovery Close in Dinas Powys this week, with further work scheduled at the Sully Road end of the path at a later date.

It is hoped that the new drains will keep the path clear for schoolchildren during their walk to the Penarth Learning Community, which now includes St Cyres and the Ysgol y Deri special school, as well as Ysgol Pen y Garth and St Joseph’s Primary School.

The works, which are being carried out by the Vale Council, have been welcomed by the Dinas Powys Plaid Cymru councillors, who have long supported residents’ demands for a better route to St Cyres School and the Penarth area generally.

Councillors Chris Franks, who represents the Murch ward, said: “We have been battling to see improvements to the well used footpath for some time. It has been very frustrating that at a time when people especially school pupils are encouraged to walk to school that this path is often flooded.

“Often pupils end up in school with wet feet which was of great concern. This is not acceptable. The council said that alternative route is along Cardiff Road to the Merrie Harriers and Plaid considers that this is not realistic for many pupils.

“We have been informed that the main area of work will be by Aberdovey Close and then at the Sully Road end. The Vale Council states that the scheme comprises drainage improvement works at Aberdovey Close including new drainage pipe works and a new French drain along an area of open field at the Ash Path.

“There will also be carriageway road works on the Ash Path near its junction with Sully Road, to improve drainage along section of adopted highway to highway drainage on Sully Road.

“The construction phase of the above works is programmed to start on site this week.”