Bridgend Council has decided to abandon its plans for a new highways depot in the borough due to financial constraints, as reported by Wales Online. The current Waterton highways depot is reportedly in poor condition, prompting the proposal for a replacement site at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate that was first suggested in 2016. The initial £8.1m plans aimed to relocate the existing depot, sell the land for a housing development and school, and use the proceeds to fund the new depot. However, changes in flood protection regulations have rendered the chosen site unsuitable, and some of the allocated funding has been redirected to the refurbishment of Maesteg Town Hall.
During a council cabinet meeting on November 19, members discussed the necessity of refurbishing the Waterton depot on Waterton Road. The existing depot houses essential resources such as a salt barn for winter maintenance, a materials reprocessing plant, a vehicle refuelling facility, and storage facilities. With a revised budget of £3.5m, the council plans to address critical issues like re-roofing the collapsed salt barn, replacing wash facilities and fuel storage tanks, and refurbishing a highways building. An executive summary from the council’s report highlighted the importance of maintaining the existing depot given the unfeasibility of finding a suitable alternative within the current budget allocations.
Council leader John Spanswick emphasized the need for a functional depot and approved the refurbishment plans. He acknowledged the successful work done at the Bryncethin depot, reinforcing the council’s commitment to ensuring operational efficiency. By prioritizing the refurbishment of the Waterton depot, the council aims to sustain its essential services and operations. The decision to focus on refurbishment rather than relocation reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing the depot’s immediate needs while working within budgetary constraints.
Moving forward, the council plans to address the most critical issues at the existing site to ensure the continuity of services vital for the community. Despite the setback in relocating the highways depot, the decision to refurbish the Waterton site demonstrates the council’s dedication to maintaining essential infrastructure. By repurposing the allocated funds towards refurbishment, the council aims to enhance operational efficiency and provide continued support for crucial council operations. The commitment to prioritizing essential maintenance highlights the council’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring service continuity for Bridgend residents.