There has been criticism of a decision to move an inflatable aqua park from Cardiff Bay to the Cosmeston Lakes Nature Reserve this summer.
Residents have told CJS News their concerns range from the potential harm a giant obstacle course will have on the local wildlife as well as the water quality.
“It’s going to be a nightmare”, one resident told CJS News. “I’ve grown up here in Penarth and I think it’s a really bad idea.”
The aqua park had to move from the Bay following concerns over the water quality, with heavy rain causing issues.
Now, there are concerns following plans for the pilot to begin in May at Cosmeston, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cosmeston is also a conservation lake, with some parts of it being a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it is home to many different species of animals.
In a statement, the council said it had been approached by a leisure operator to trial the aqua park during the summer months, and added there is a “demand” from residents for more water-based activities.
“For the last thirty years that I’ve been living here, they’ve said it’s too dangerous to swim in”, one lady said.
“This is a place we come to relax”, another added.
Cosmeston Lakes are well known for being a peaceful place, so the fact a vibrant, loud water park will be coming for the summer has angered locals.
“I’m not sure it’s very good for the environment”, another local said.
The lakes were once a working quarry, and were created by filling the quarries up with water.
There are also concerns about the quality of the water, with one local telling CJS News she thinks there could be old machinery at the bottom of the lake.
This has led to worry about the quality of the water, and how safe it will be for children to be swimming in over the summer.
Scattered around the lakes are signs that clearly say ‘Please don’t swim’.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council, who control the lakes, told CJS News it was trying to promote sustainable tourism, and that it recognises the importance of biodiversity in the lakes.
It added the council had been approached by a leisure operator to pilot the use of part of the lake to “test the suitability of the area for this use over the summer months.”
“The eastern lake has been used in the past for water-based leisure activities such as boating, paddle boarding and canoeing.
“This pilot would allow the Council to more widely consider and develop a strategy to support the use of our important green and blue spaces, and to promote sustainable tourism and income opportunities.
“Consultation with residents as part of the Council’s ongoing placemaking work has shown that there is a demand for a diverse range of leisure opportunities in the Vale – especially in our Country Parks – and we are committed to ensuring that the Parks cater to everyone.
“The Council recognises the importance of nature conservation and biodiversity, and it is important that any proposed leisure use supports the future of the park – including the re-wilding and conservation work that is already underway.”
The company that runs the Aqua Park has not currently responded to a request for comment.