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South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Cosmeston Aqua Park protestors to take fight to Senedd
This latest move follows two earlier demonstrations, one on June 9, where hundreds gathered at Cosmeston Lake voicing concerns over safety and environmental impact, and a second on June 14, where protesters formed a human chain around the lake in a powerful show of unity. Throughout the backlash, Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Lis Burnett has publicly defended the development, rejecting accusations of rushed planning and insisting the Aqua Park trial followed all necessary procedures. The protest is scheduled for 3pm on Wednesday, outside the home of the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay, and ten days before the Aqua Park is due to open. Organisers are encouraging participants to bring drums, saucepans, or any noisy items to make their voices heard during the 'Raise the Voice for the Voiceless' peaceful protest. The Aqua Park, which is set to operate at Cosmeston Lakes near Penarth over a trial period this summer, has faced growing backlash from environmental groups and local residents. Despite over 7,000 petition signatures in opposition, the plans have already been approved by Vale of Glamorgan councillors. Cosmeston aqua park protesters to rally at Senedd (Image: Nikita Singh) Campaigners argue that the Aqua Park poses significant risks to both public safety and the ecological integrity of the site, which includes designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The park, awarded nature reserve status in 2013, is home to rare and protected plant and animal life. The opposition group, Save Cosmeston and the Vale, part of the Vale Action Group, now says it is considering legal action as a last resort. They claim the council has not provided adequate consultation and that the ecological and water safety tests conducted were insufficient. The Aqua Park's operators, who previously ran the attraction in Cardiff Bay, were forced to relocate following water quality concerns at that site. Concerns also persist over the use of the Eastern Lake, which had a long-standing ban on swimming due to its past use as a quarry. The campaign group questions how it has now been deemed safe, stating they believe lives could be at risk. Protest organisers have thanked supporters for their contributions and encouraged continued participation. For more information, contact Nicola Ludvigsen at nicolalud@
South Wales Argus
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Thousands attended this year Cwmbran Big Event 2025
Organised by Cwmbran Community Council, with support from Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon Community Council, this free event was a huge success and brought the whole community together. 'It's been amazing,' said Leanne Lloyd-Tolman, one of the councillors involved. 'The turnout was bigger than ever, and it shows how much people enjoy and need events like this.' Cwmbran Big Event 2025 (Image: Nikita Singh) 'It's all free for families,' said Catherine Fox-Madeley from TGSB Markets and Events, who helped organise the day. 'That's what makes this day so special.' Families poured in from across the area to enjoy a full afternoon of free activities and entertainment. There was face painting, bouncy castles, interactive animal sessions, and hip hop dance workshops that had kids smiling all day. Local organisations like Torfaen Play and Torfaen Sports Development kept children active with arts, crafts, football games, and more. The event also featured a full schedule of live performances from local talent. The stage saw energy and excitement from groups like Newport Theatre School, Vibes Kids Dance Fitness, and Prospect Dance, while local bands such as No One Knows and The Revamps kept the crowd entertained. One of the highlights was the Pied Pipers, marching through in full kilt and bagpipe tradition, drawing smiles wherever they went. On the food and shopping front, the event was buzzing with over 98 market and food stalls spread across both sides of the lake. People enjoyed tasty bites from vendors like Cookies and Co., Cheats by B, Spreadbox, Sharp Baked Burgers, A8 Catering, and Moulton Catering, along with several popular local ice cream vans. Cwmbran Big Event 2025 (Image: Nikita Singh) There was something for everyone,whether you were looking for sweet treats, handmade gifts, or a hot meal. The event gave a boost to local businesses, many of whom said it was a great opportunity to connect with new customers and showcase what they offer to the wider community. Beyond the fun and food, the event also brought together community services and support. Visitors had the chance to speak with organisations like the Cwmbran Centre for Young People, Torfaen Youth, TCB Housing, and the Congress Theatre, who were all there to connect with residents and offer advice. "The one thing I'll take away from today is just how much people want to connect, relax, and enjoy time together", said Leanne. And with smiles on faces and the sun shining until the end, it's no wonder people are already excited about next year.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Hundreds form a human chain to stop cosmeston aqua park
The protest, included emotional speeches from young local voices, environmentalist comes as equipment continues to be delivered and tickets for the attraction are already on sale. This is what we know so far: The lake is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare species like the endangered Starry Stonewort and protected birdlife. Multiple residents have reported past accidents involving submerged metal and unsafe water conditions. Critics say the council is ignoring years of signage warning against swimming. Concerns over increased littering, microplastics, noise, and habitat disruption are widespread. Protesters accuse the council of prioritising profit over people, children and nature. Hundreds gathered once again at Cosmeston to protest Aqua park (Image: Nikita Singh) Here are the voices of young people and their thoughts on the development: Jakub Szczech (22): "This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's home to the endangered Starry Stonewort plant. How will a giant inflatable park and thousands of people help preserve that?" Georgia Bosley (23): "It's appalling that the Council is choosing short-term profit over biodiversity. Cosmeston is not a commercial site." Seren Jeremy (23): "There's already dangerous metal debris under the water. How can anyone say this is safe?" Georgia Williams (21): "The park is already unsafe for swimming. Add inflatables and hundreds of people and it becomes a disaster waiting to happen." Holly Beacon (22): "Why destroy such peaceful, integral habitat just to make money?" Ffion Jeremy (23): "This will devastate the ecosystem. Cosmeston may never recover." Environmental groups have also raised concerns about microplastic pollution from the inflatables and increased litter, with fears that noise and human activity will displace or endanger already declining species like moorhens, swans, and water voles. But not everyone opposes the development. Some local residents argue the Aqua Park will offer healthy recreation and attract families. In an email to this publication, Penarth father Conor Crowley wrote: "We've used the Aqua Park in Cardiff Bay for years and it's been great. This is being blown out of proportion by a few grumpy residents who think they own the park." Former First Minister Alun Michael also weighed in, saying: "If we can't put up with the sound of children enjoying themselves, what sort of society are we living in? Let's see how the pilot goes." Aqua park development at Cosmeston (Image: Nikita Singh) Still, opponents say that while they're not against fun or aqua parks in general, Cosmeston's fragile environment makes it the wrong location. Despite the outcry, the Vale of Glamorgan Council says safety tests have been conducted and lifeguards will be present. Construction continues, and the council maintains the development will support conservation and boost local leisure. With almost, 6000 signatures on a petition and protests planned including the next one on 5th of July, which is the scheduled opening day for the aqua park, the battle to save Cosmeston Country Park is only escalating. As equipment rolls in and opposition grows louder, it remains to be seen whether the council will press on -or pause to reconsider. Will local voices, protests, and ecological concerns be enough to halt the project? Or is the Aqua Park at Cosmeston now inevitable?
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Hundreds gather at Cosmeston lake to protest Aqua Park
At the heart of the protest was 22-year-old Ciara Hay, who spoke through tears about how much the lake has meant to her since childhood. 'They say they are doing this for young people, but no one I know my age wants this' 'I remember seeing all this wildlife as a kid, and the passion that I have for nature and bird life is so deep in my spirit, and I've seen the decline of the birds throughout my whole life now, and especially five years ago with the bird flu that happened here, so many swans have moved on, so many birds have died, and It's just started recovering. 'There's one family of moorhens that have chicks on that side of the lake, one, and there used to be so many, and it's so sad to see in my lifetime the decline of wildlife here, and I'm thinking, it's already a very delicate ecosystem as is, and just doing this is going to scare off so many animals, and it's going to frighten them, and it's going to be loud and noisy.' Ciara Hay protesting at Cosmeston lake (Image: Nikita Singh) Ciara fears younger generations won't experience the beauty and stillness she grew up with. She also shared a traumatic memory from her teens. She added: 'There's a sign right there saying do not swim in the water, this has never been a safe place to swim, there is jagged metal in this water, and you can't see it. When I was about 15, I went swimming over there and I got a massive cut in my leg just from swimming, and there being a jagged piece of metal in the water, it's not safe. And there's so much virus and bird poo in the water, I don't know how they have justified that after years, literally decades of them saying it's not safe to swim, it's ridiculous'. One of the organisers, Sar Williams, urged people to focus their anger. 'As much as we are all angry, we have to redirect our anger to very specific areas and very specific people. This is going to create enough of a whirl to actually stop this aqua park. We need people, we need to hear what you feel.' 'I've even heard there was a zipline planned for the park once. It was passed but then taken back because of strong opposition. We will do the same again'. Protesters say they are not against the idea of an Aqua Park, but strongly oppose its location on Cosmeston Country Park's eastern lake. Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact, including the release of microplastics into the water from the inflatable structures, which could harm the already fragile ecosystem. Aqua park development at Cosmeston lake (Image: Nikita Singh) South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies criticised the plans, calling them 'an out of touch proposal from an out of touch council.' He said the Labour-run Vale of Glamorgan Council is pushing the project despite strong local opposition and insufficient consultation. The Vale of Glamorgan Council stated that water safety testing has been carried out, and that the Aqua Park will be staffed with lifeguards and security to ensure visitor safety. They highlighted that the Aqua Park will offer new leisure activities for local residents and support conservation efforts within the park. Work on the Aqua Park began today, despite ongoing protests. The next demonstration is planned for Saturday, June 14.
