Protesters dressed in black carry a coffin and hold a "funeral" in a park in Cardiff
Protesters led a "funeral procession" through a popular Cardiff park on Saturday. The marchers, dressed in black, carried a coffin through Roath Recreation Ground to demonstrate their "deep concern" about recent development in the area.
About 100 people marched on Alder Road Bridge at 11am. A banner before the demonstration read: "In memory of Roath Reck 1887 - 2024. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 22 [at] 11am on the Alder Road Bridge with a procession through our beloved, protected green space. Dress as you please, or wear sports kit or mourning black. Children and dogs are welcome."
Outlining the reasons for the protest, the organizers wrote: "Our aim is to stop the impending construction [of a path or road] along the north side of Roath Recreation Ground, which threatens our veteran lime trees and reduces the number of full-size sports pitches on this famous sports field." However, a statement recently released by Cardiff Council on developer Knights Brown's website clarifies that the original plans to build a new footpath or road on the north side of the site will no longer go ahead.
The statement reads as follows: "The original plans for a new footpath on the north side of Roath Recreation Ground have been amended following discussions with Natural Resources Wales who no longer require an upgraded footpath for access. The council will therefore not proceed with the construction of this path." To be clear, the path in question was the path proposed to run parallel to the Roath Brook and Tye Drave Road. The existing path along Roath Brook will remain in place and will not be changed.
"On the south side of the park, on Ninian Road, a shared-use path, including a cycleway, is currently under construction. Once completed, the four sports pitches will be returned to the recreation ground. The configuration of the pitches will be reviewed - in consultation with users and residents - to ensure the best use of the space available." In addition, the council has previously stated that reasonable adjustments have been made to ensure that trees and tree roots around the recreation ground are not disturbed.
Despite this, protesters still made their way to the site, calling for Fields in Trust and CADW to be involved in future plans. Organizers added: 'We want advocacy organizations Fields in Trust and CADW to become official consultants for the remainder of this project to express our deep concern about the current development of this conservation area. Marquis Bute left the river to the people of Cardiff - it is ours. It is the vital center of our diverse community. We will fight to preserve our historic, protected green space for future generations."