"As the democratically elected Chair of the Lower Sirhowy Valley Community Partnership, we call upon Caerphilly Country Borough Council to install metal crash barriers along a stretch of the B4152 known locally as the Wyllie Bends, near Ynysddu. 

During the severe storm on the evening of Dec 7th, a young lady's car hit a large pool of water, left the road and plunged into the River Sirhowy below. Despite suffering significant injuries, she managed to climb onto the roof of the vehicle. Her father, who lives in Ynysddu, reached the scene first and pulled her to safety. She remains in hospital, and photos taken shortly afterwards shows her car submerged in the River Sirhowy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wyllie Bends, as it's locally known, has a long sad history of terrible accidents, mainly all happening at times of bad wet weather. Please see a snapshot of the official Crashmap data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is only the latest in a long series of serious incidents—and multiple fatalities—on this notorious stretch of road. It is sheer luck that this did not become another tragedy.

Family members of a young nurse who tragically lost her life six years ago in similar circumstances, along with residents, Ynysddu Ward Councillors have repeatedly raised concerns about the need for metal crash barriers along this dangerous stretch of road. 

While some signage and inadequate fencing have been installed, by Caerphilly Council, the request for full barrier protection has been repeatedly refused.

This incident demonstrates the unacceptable consequences of continued inaction by OUR local authority. 

Therefore, this petition is calling on Caerphilly County Borough Council to urgently install metal barriers to stop further tragedies along this notorious stretch of road."