Time to Take Ownership: MP pushes for Swansea Council adoption at flag ship Marina Development

Highway adoption isn’t the sexiest of political issues, but it’s a vital question for residents of Swansea Marina. Many of the area’s roads, pavement and open spaces are still owned by its private developer rather than Swansea Council, making it difficult to get issues like potholes or faulty street-lights addressed. The message from residents is clear, so its time to take action. That's why I’m calling on Swansea Council to take back control of the Marina’s roads.  

With its picturesque waters, award-winning restaurants like Gigi Gao’s and fantastic cultural attractions like the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina is a real jewel in our city’s crown. As well as being a focal point for visitors, the area has been called home by thousands of people since the first houses, flats and apartments were completed in 1982. 

When I met residents last December, including representatives of the Swansea Point Owners & Residents Association, they raised a long-standing and deeply frustrating issue: while it’s been years since developments were completed, many of the roads, pavements and open spaces have not been adopted by Swansea Council, remaining the responsibility of the original developer. 

Highway adoption is a voluntary process and can involve lengthy negotiations. The impact on residents in the meantime is very real. Most of us living on roads adopted by the Council find reporting potholes or faulty street lighting on adopted highways quite straight forward – especially with Swansea Council’s 48-hour repair target (weather permitting). This is a great service, especially when you consider Council funding was cut so drastically under the last Tory Governments austerity programme. I’m proud to say this has now been reversed under this Labour Government with Wales now receiving it’s highest ever funding settlements. 

But when a road isn’t adopted, reporting and resolving these issues can be a real problem. Residents have told me that they don’t always have a single point of contact or contact number and even when there is, often there’s no response - especially in the evenings or weekends - while repairs can take a long time to complete, if they’re ever completed at all. This all leads to incredible frustration for residents of places like the Marina who live and take pride in their community.   

Since the meeting with Marina residents last year, I have been raising this issue with Swansea Council to find out what discussions they have had with the developer, what progress has been made and when this issue will finally be resolved. I’m also meeting the developer, Persimmon next week, where I’ll be pressing them as to how we can all conclude this. Marina residents deserve a resolution - I’m determined to help bring one to this long-standing problem.