PONTYPRIDD’S main park will not open until the end of next week at the very earliest after damage caused by Storm Bert. But the council remains hopeful that the annual Boxing Day swim at the Lido will still be possible.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council said that due to the damage caused by Storm Bert to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, the park will not be open before the end of next week at the very earliest.
This is to allow for essential repairs such as the removal and clean up of significant amounts of dirt and debris deposited all over the park, including its paths, buildings and furniture.
They also need to clean up the Lido Play and replace equipment which was contaminated by flood water and replace the safety fencing that runs alongside the River Taff between the new Llys Cadwyn Bridge and the old M&S Bridge.
The multi-use sports area and bowls area need extensive repairs which is likely to take some time. This area will be fenced off for work to continue when the park re-opens, the local authority said.
The council said that thanks to the efforts of Lido staff on Sunday morning, Lido Ponty has not suffered the same level of damage caused by Storm Dennis.
Pools are being drained and cleaned, filtration systems are being tested, and the site is having a deep clean. At this stage, the council remains hopeful that the annual Boxing Day swim will still be possible.
However, as repair work is continuing, the planned ticket release date for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims has been postponed. The council said it will review the situation in the coming days and will provide a further update on the potential re-opening next week.
