The votes have been counted and the result declared for Gabalfa ward in this year's local election - and the Gabalfa Lib Dem Focus Team wanted to let everyone know the result as soon as possible. The votes cast were as follows:

1. Ed Bridges (Lib Dem Focus Team): 936 - elected
2. Gareth Holden (Lib Dem Focus Team): 891 - elected
3. Jones (Lab): 500
4. Crocker (Lab): 497
5. Coman (Plaid): 125
6. Breeze (Con) 115
7. Mason (Green): 106
8. Miles (Con): 91
9. Evans (Plaid): 86
10. Hamblin (Socialist): 51

The Gabalfa Lib Dem Focus Team are drawing residents' attention to two new planning applications in the area.

Whitchurch Road

The All Nations Churchhave put forward plans (ref: 12/493/DCI) for the former plumbing supplies shop at242 Whitchurch Road.

The application would see some outbuildings at the site demolished and then the unit extended at front and back (up to three storeys). The end result would be a cafe unit, meeting room and function room on the ground floor and three apartments on the floors above.

The Gabalfa & Mynachdy Focus Team have reacted with anger and disappointment to news that controversial plans for 249 student flats on land behind Mynachdy Road have been approved.

The application had been considered in March, and Cardiff Council's Planning Committee had indicated that it would be rejected. The issue had been deferred for a month to allow the case for refusal to be set out, and it had been expected that the refusal of permission would be ratified on Wednesday.

The Gabalfa Lib Dem Focus Team continue to get things fixed and repaired out in the ward.

Earlier this month, Gareth Holden and Cllr. Ed Bridges organised a litter pick of the grass area by Flaxland Avenue and Longspears Avenue. Whilst tidying up the area, they noticed that the fence of the site was broken in several places and that the adjacent lane was full of potholes which needed attention.

Gabalfa campaigners, Gareth Holden and Ed Bridges, have been representing residents over two local licensing applications.

Gareth said: "There has been an application for an off-licence at the former sandwich shop at 147 Clodien Avenue, which would see it open until 9pm for most of the week. Meanwhile, there has also been an application by the Texaco garage on North Road to operate as an off-licence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!"

After years of uncertainty, Cardiff Council's Planning Committee finally met yesterday to decide the fate of the coal yard behind Mynachdy Road.

The Gabalfa Lib Dem Focus Team was there to represent residents. Cllr. Ed Bridges outlined the community's objections to the proposal for 249 student flats at the site.

The Gabalfa Focus Team is pleased to report that Cardiff Council is investing in repairs to the Gabalfa flyover.

The work will see the resurfacing of the carriageway, and the replacement of expansion joints on the flyover.

Local resident, Gareth Holden, said: "It's good to see that this work - costing something in the region on £200,000 - is being carried out by Cardiff's Lib Dem Council. After the last few severe winters, it's really important that there is investment in resurfacing poor-quality road surfaces in the area."

Many Mynachdy residents were appalled to learn that the number 37 bus service was placed under threat recently because of cuts by the Welsh Labour Government.

Labour bosses in Cardiff Bay had slashed Cardiff's Local Transport Grant by nearly 30%, meaning that the future of many community bus services was threatened. However, following prompt action by the Lib Dems, the service has been safeguarded for the coming financial year.

The Gabalfa Focus Team spent much of the weekend speaking with residents around Clodien Avenue about proposals for an off-licence at the former Arjans sandwich shop.

Cllr. Ed Bridges said: "An application for an alcohol licence has been submitted to for the premises at 147 Clodien Avenue. The application would see the premises licensed to sell alcohol for off-sales between 7am and 9pm Monday-Saturday, and 8am-8pm on Sundays."

The Gabalfa Lib Dem Focus Team have called for Cardiff Council to address drainage problems on North Road which have seen pedestrians and cyclists getting soaked because of large puddles.

Local councillor, Ed Bridges, said: "The problem seems particularly bad at the junction with Pen-y-Bryn Way and by the Gabalfa Clinic bus stop - and also near to Tesco, which is causing particular problems for the large number of Cathays High students who use the pavement on a daily basis"