Save Maindy
Cycle Track
The Save Maindy Velodrome campaign is not politically affiliated to any party. We are just concerned local residents who don’t want to lose a much-loved local amenity. But, of course, we welcome the support of any party/independent candidate in the forthcoming election. We've also asked them what their thoughts are on the issue and the responses they gave us are shown below:
CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT FOR SAVING MAINDY VELODROME:
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The following parties have given public support to the Save Maindy Velodrome campaign:
Members of the Save Maindy Velodrome campaign have met with:
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Councillor Rhys Taylor (Liberal Democrats)
Ashley Wood (Liberal Democrats)
Andrew RT Davies MS (Conservatives)
Joel James MS (Conservatives)
Rhys ab Owen MS (Plaid Cymru)
Rhys ab Owen (PLaid Cymru) raised the Maindy Velodrome issue in a debate at the Senedd on protecting community assets. To see the debate CLICK HERE ( Click the 'Short Debate' at the end).
Cardiff Council Election 2022: Election Messages From Candidates & Local Politicians:
We've asked candidates for their views on Saving Maindy Velodrome. Below are the responses we've had so far:
The Maindy Velodrome is something I've greatly enjoyed walking around this site, like many amazing places in Cathays! I can only pray that the Charity Commission do find discrepancies and overturn the Council's to just take away our local heritage. Let us hope the Velodrome enjoys another 50 years at Maindy Park - and 1000's can continue to benefit from it - in your locale of Cathays! Please leave it where it has been since the 1950's!"
For Paulus Thurlbeck's full message click on the pdf.
Paulus Thurlbeck's film of the December 2021 Save Maindy Velodrome Rally
Ceri Davies (Plaid Cymru/Green Party Common Ground Group)
The common ground group are disappointed in the whole Cathays School development process. We are keen to see the best education facilities provided for the school, but the process for this whole development has been very unsatisfactory including the inclusion of the velodrome and the plans for the sport village. It’s clear that a pre ordained view was established, and everything has been made to fit that option meaning all the engagement and consultation had been futile. Common ground will seek to review the whole process and explore other options meaningfully.
I think we need to be maintaining the velodrome as a priority alongside improving Cathays High“.
Green Party/Plaid Cymru Candidates (Cathays):
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Ceri Davies
Attah Essien
Deio Owen
Lowri Tudur
I believe Cardiff Council are 100% wrong in their actions to steal this bit of Cardiff from its residents, the land was given to the PEOPLE of CARDIFF by the BUTE family and for almost 100 years the people of Cardiff has enjoyed the facility as it was meant to when gifted to the City by the Bute Family. If the council are allowed to steal this land then where next? Sophia Gardens? Cardiff Castle? The council have a moral duty to do the right thing to lead by example, if allowed to steal this land from the Residents of Cardiff it sets a very bad precedent for the future and the history of the City.
This facility in the heart of the community is where dreams are built, where dreams are worked for and where World Champions return to say "This is where it started", The future for this Velodrome is bright, the opportunity for the community to come together for a wide range of events (classic car shows, boot sales, community fairs etc etc). If elected on May 5th I will be fighting to change the Council's decision because it is wrong and it must be fought in the City Hall and in the Courts if need be, I will happily start a crowdfunder to cover legal expenses if needed to. This fight is not just about saving Maindy Velodrome its about saving the history of Cardiff.
Regardless of the outcome of the May Elections I will be supporting this campaign either as a councillor resident or just a resident....
Cathays High deserves, like every school, access to the best possible facilities for a 21st century education; but we do not believe that achieving that has to come at the expense of local amenities and public space. Cardiff Liberal Democrats believe that Cardiff Council should go back to the drawing board, take a city-wide view to tackling school capacity issues and, working with the community, design new plans which deliver new a new school and enhance the public open space, including the historic Maindy velodrome.
Liberal Democrat Candidates (Cathays):
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James Bear
Jonathan Bird
Hugh Minor
Deborah Stux
The Cardiff City Councillors who support the Save Maindy Velodrome Campaign:
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Councillor Rhys Taylor (Leader) (Gabalfa)
Councillor Asghar Ali (Penylan)
Councillor Rodney Berman (Penylan)
Councillor Joe Boyle (Penylan)
Councillor Joe Carter (Pentwyn)
Councillor Robert Hopkins (Cyncoed)
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Councillor Nigel Howells (Adamsdown)
Councillor Bablin Molik (Cyncoed)
Councillor Dan Naughton (Pentwyn)
Councillor Emma Sandrey (Pentwyn)
Councillor Ashley Wood (Gabalfa)
The following Liberal Democrat Cardiff City Councillors support the campaign to Save Maindy Velodrome:
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On behalf of the Cathays Conservative Candidates, there are real concerns about the proposals and both Andrew RT Davies and Joel James were pleased to meet with the Save Maindy Velodrome campaign recently.
This proposal appears to be led by the aim to expand Cathays High School. Although improving education is a laudable aim, it is not a good basis for moving the velodrome.
During the consultation approx 40% of current users indicated they cycle to Maindy Velodrome. There is no indication of any provision being made for them to get down to the Sports Village site.
If the proposal does proceed there must be a clear commitment, in writing, that the new facility is completed before the current one closes. We have experience where this hasn't happened - Cardiff Labour let residents down by promising a new household waste recycling centre before Wedal Road shut, but we are still waiting for it.
Adrian Robson
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Councillor for Rhiwbina and Pantmawr
Cynghorydd dros Rhiwbeina a Pantmawr
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Leader of the Opposition
Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid
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Cardiff County Council
Cyngor Sir Caerdydd
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arobson@cardiff.gov.uk / arobson@caerdydd.gov.uk
Twitter: @adrian1robson
Conservative Candidates (Cathays):
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Aled John Jones-Pritchard
Janine Ann Jones-Pritchard
Richard Mackay-Stuart
Daniel Burton
Obviously the velodrome is a really important bit of history to so many in Cathays and though I wasn’t here for it’s hay day I do want to support the campaign. It largely seems like the council want to be able to say they’re funding and helping education without actively striving for it
Communist Party of Britain Candidate (Cathays):
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Noah Russell
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My position is very clear: I am completely opposed to the demolition of the Velodrome. It is an incredibly important community sports facility that should be protected. We should keep the Velodrome and upgrade Cathays High School on its existing site and fight for the funding that is needed to do so.
Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition Candidate (Cathays):
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George Phillips
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Published by C. Lewis 13 Gelligaer Gardens, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4LT