Lee Humphreys has said that he and his neighbours on Andrew Road have been “fobbed off” after multiple attempts to contact the council to get the overgrown brambles and weeds cut around their property to alleviate the risk of falls and trips.
The area that is affected is set back off the street with a lawned area in front.
Communal steps lead down to the properties “that are generally thick with weeds,” making it difficult to reach the handrail and enter properties safely.
Mr Humphreys told the Penarth Times that these weeds have been cleared from the path “a couple of times” since he moved into the property last year but that the tarmac has been left uneven as a result, increasing the fall risk for those who must use the pathway to enter their properties.
After a number of attempts to contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council to get the issue fixed, Mr Humphreys has paid a private contractor out of pocket to clear the area and make it safe for himself and his neighbours to use.
He said: “I understand that there’s been cutbacks and things can’t get done the way they used to but I feel like I’m constantly pestering them and I shouldn’t have to be doing that.
“Penarth is one of the most expensive places to live and one of the most expensive areas for council tax, but nothing gets done with it.”
It took this gardener two days to clear outside Mr Humphreys’ property and those either side.
He said: “I feel like nothing is being done and that we’re an afterthought.”
This is just the beginning of the problem for residents on this stretch of road, who say they are unable to use the back lane behind their properties because of severe overgrowth.
Mr Humphreys said that the area is thick with brambles and even some fly-tipped astroturf, meaning that many simply do not use this area because they cannot.
He said: “It’s getting to the point where when you look further up, you can’t see the alleyway.
“If it gets any worse, we’ll never get out there.”
A spokesperson for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said: “We’re aware of the concerns that have been raised about the condition of the alleyway to the rear of properties on Andrew Road, Penarth.
“Our officers are inspecting the site to assess its condition and identify what action may be needed.
“If action is required, we’ll look to get that underway as quickly as possible.”
