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BBC News
25-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Senedd protest against new Cosmeston water park
Protesters gathered outside the Senedd to voice opposition to a new water park, raising concerns about water quality and the impact on local 100 people took part in the demonstration in Cardiff Bay against the attraction at Cosmeston Country Park in the Vale of Glamorgan, which is due to open on 5 July."Some of the children that I work with are devastated that those in authority are taking from our wild spaces, with no regard for the damage that they might be doing," said Angela Peterken, an educator who took part in the attraction had been based in Cardiff Bay for the last five years and includes an inflatable assault course with slides and climbing frames. More than 7,000 people have signed a petition against the new water Country Park opened to the public in 1978 and has been an official nature reserve since is a haven for local wildlife and some areas have been designated a site of special scientific Lenaerts, from Barry, who organised the protest, said there were concerns about wildlife and safety."We have some serious concerns about water quality as well," she of Glamorgan council said it has worked with a number of agencies to ensure the lake is safe when the water park attraction was moved because water quality concerns left it "unable to operate" at the bay.
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Protest held at Cosmeston Lake against controversial plans for water park
Protest held at Cosmeston Lake against controversial plans for water park Young and old gathered to raise concerns around the protected site losing its wildlife habitats Protestors gathered at the lake this morning (Image: Taite Johnson ) Young and old came together to protest against controversial plans to set up a water park at a quiet, country lake. People in Penarth and the wider Vale of Glamorgan area demonstrated their anger towards the council, raising their concerns for the wildlife and biodiversity at Cosmeston Country Park. Plans to move the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to the eastern lake at the country park were unveiled in May with an opening date set for July 5. The trial of the inflatable water course will last eight weeks over the summer months. Protesters joined together, with placards in hand, at the main entrance of the country park today - Monday, June 9 - to peacefully protest against the plans. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Cosmeston Country Park covers 100 acres of land in Penarth, with an abundance of wildlife habitats. Part of the park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest ensuring the protection of the rare and diverse plant and animal species that live there. Angela Peterken is a forest school leader, educating children in the natural environment at the park, including near the eastern lake. She held a sign at the protest that said: "Forest School says keep Cosmeston for wildlife!" Article continues below Angela is passionate about protecting the nature and tranquillity of the lake and fears that the waterpark will have a negative impact on it. She said: "We want people to enjoy the park and part of that is the peace and quiet here. I'm not against the AquaPark being put in another location, but I am completely against it being here. "This is a fantastic habitat for special animals, we need to protect that. We know that it is only temporary for now but you can't tell the wildlife to come back in eight weeks, it doesn't work like that." A nine-year-old member of the forest school at the country park says she probably wouldn't use it and that the plans are 'ridiculous'. She said: "It's a wildlife park and the idea of putting a water park here is ridiculous. It's the wildlife home. "We walk along the lake as part of forest school and it's usually quiet but the water park would make it busy." "Leave Cosmeston to the wildlife" (Image: Taite Johnson ) A petition against the Aqua Park has gained over 5,000 signatures with residents and members of the local community worried about the water quality of the lake, the impact it would have on wildlife and the environmental impact. In response the Vale of Glamorgan Council wrote: "We have worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy, including a detailed programme of water testing work. "The testing has shown no issues with the quality of the water and it will continue to be monitored throughout the trial period." One member of the community said: "The site is an SSSI, the whole point of having a protected area is that things like this don't happen. The light, sounds and vibration pollution will affect all the animals, birds mammals, fish and insects. "It would be so sad to see the Aqua Park here. It has upset my children, they have been visibly upset asking 'Mummy, why are they doing it?'" Philippa, Saar and Heather organised the protest at the lake (Image: Taite Johnson ) Philippa Newman organised the protest alongside Saar Lenaerts-Williams after feeling angry at the council for not listening tot he people in the community. Whilst the council confirmed that an ecological assessment was undertaken and that the water park "will have no significant negative impact on local birdlife or water vole populations", many people including Phillipa were not happy with the report. She said: "I understand things are underfunded, I know that we need things in the area but just not here. We are at a pivotal time for climate change, we have so little of these habitats, we shouldn't be destroying what we do have. "What are the council's plans for the wildlife when we take their home?" Cllr Bronwen Brooks, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable places, said: "The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area. "Consultation with residents through the Council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone. "Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious Council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy – including a detailed programme of water testing work." Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said: "We're thrilled to bring Aqua Park Cardiff to Cosmeston Lakes by partnering with The Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home.' "We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being." Article continues below
