Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park staff 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by opponents of controversial scheme
'All the hard work done by the group and the members of the community so far cannot be discredited by this behaviour and it does not align with any of our values' - the group in charge of organising opposition to the park has said
The plans have sparked a backlash
(Image: Mark Lewis )
People have been warned not to harass and intimidate staff at the controversial Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park. Plans to move the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to the eastern lake at the park near Penarth were unveiled in May with an opening date set for July 5.
A trial of the inflatable water course is set to last eight weeks over the summer months. But the plans have sparked fierce backlash from local residents, environmentalists and conservation groups who argue it poses a threat to both public safety and sensitive wildlife habitats.
Cosmeston Country Park spans over 100 acres and is home to a range of rare species, including the critically endangered water vole. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Since the plans were announced, a number of peaceful protests have been organised by opponents, including on June 14 when hundreds gathered to form a "human chain" around the lake.
Protesters gathered around the lake against the proposals
(Image: Mark Lewis )
Then, on June 25, just 10 days before the scheduled opening, a demonstration was planned outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
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However, the group involved in organising peaceful action against the aqua park has condemned members of the public who "intimidate", "embarrass" or "insult" staff who have been on site setting up the attraction.
Save Cosmeston and the Vale shared a statement on Facebook implying that young workers were among those targeted, adding: "We do not condone this."
The statement reads: "Just a reminder here that we are not here to intimidate staff of the aqua park or embarrass them, they are not the issue in this battle.
"They are merely people trying to earn a living and should not be made uncomfortable in any sort of way.
"Especially young people who are just expanding their skill set. We do not condone any harassment / insults / embarrassment to any of the aqua park staff.
"Any members of the public that have been known to, or will in the future engage in actions that do this, should know that we do not condone this and will not be associated with the group further.
"All the hard work done by the group and the members of the community so far cannot be discredited by this behaviour and it does not align with any of our values or the messages we have put out at any protest.
"We believe in legal, respectful and viable methods of opposing the aqua park. Thank you."
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WalesOnline has contacted Aqua Park Group for comment but received no response.
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