Anger after beauty spot reservoir drained of water
Clydach reservoir has long been known as a hidden gem to locals but it now lies almost empty
- Published
A reservoir at a popular beauty spot for walkers has been described as an "eyesore" after it was drained.
Residents and walkers said they were angry to find Clydach reservoir, in Llanwonno forest in Rhondda Cynon Taf, now dried up and barren.
They said they were worried about what would happen to the wildlife there, with one person saying: "It looks an absolute mess."
Welsh Water, which owns the reservoir, said it plans to turn the reservoir back into a natural lake, and protecting the wildlife is "a priority".
The reservoir, pictured here before it was drained, is home to lots of wildlife
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The reservoir's draining has provoked controversy on social media.
Writing on Facebook, one person said: “It's an absolute travesty. All sorts of wildlife now have to move on. So sad.”
Another commented: “Why was there no warning to the public?”
Wynford Price, manager of nearby activity centre Daerwynno Outdoor Centre, said: “The reservoir is home to lots of wildlife. There’s Canada geese and mallards that live there. There are goslings at this time of year, too.
“It would be a huge pity to lose the wildlife.”
Welsh Water says it plans to turn the reservoir into a natural lake again
Some local people said they did not know much about the work being carried out on the reservoir.
Savannah Fecht, from nearby Pontypridd, said: “It’s surprising to me that there wasn’t any interest in preserving it as some sort of historical site. It didn't feel like the community were told that it was happening.”
Welsh Water said it planned to turn the reservoir into a natural lake again as Clydach reservoir has not been used to supply drinking water since 2004.
The company said: “We still have a lot of work to do in developing the plans, which we will share with the local community once they are complete.
“We would also like to reassure the local community that protecting the wildlife on site is a priority for us.
"We engaged with Natural Resources Wales before we commenced the draining of the reservoir, and we will continue to engage with them as we develop the plans for the work.”