The project is fully supported by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, who right from the outset agreed to provide the land for the new centre at a peppercorn rent. The new water sports centre will significantly improve facilities at this important reservoir site, which is one of the Company’s four main sites for providing a recreational resource for use in the local community. However, we must not overlook that the primary purpose of the reservoir is for the supply of public drinking water and we have worked closely with Welsh Water to ensure our project can operate alongside this important purpose.
Richard Curtis, Welsh Water’s Company Secretary says: ‘This project is a great example of how business and community user groups can combine to deliver a high quality new facility for water sports users in South Wales and beyond, and it reflects how, in Welsh Water, we like to work collaboratively to deliver added value to our customers and the communities we serve.’
A large part of Llandegfedd Reservoir is also of high conservation value and, in part, a site of special scientific interest. Responsibility for striking the balance between the interests of public water supply, protecting the environment and public health and safety and promoting wider access and recreation at the reservoir falls to the Site Controller, Richard Poole: ‘The new centre will greatly increase facilities available to water users at Llandegfedd and through our zoned site management plan we are confident the centre can operate safely alongside casual visitors to the site who come to walk or observe the variety of species and habitats we have here.’
Following a period of discussion between Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) and the Directors of Llandegfedd Watersports Centre (LWSC) it has been agreed that DCWW will take over responsibility for the provision of recreational facilities at Llandegfedd reservoir. The scheme that has been promoted by LWSC over the last few years will now be deferred.
This decision is a direct response to the demand for improved facilities from the users of the site, and in particular as a result of the years of campaigning and fundraising that has been undertaken by the Directors and members of LWSC.
DCWW would like to express their gratitude to the Directors and members of LWSC and all of the people that have been involved in promoting increased use of the reservoir over recent years.
The recent restructuring and insourcing of the operational business has now made it possible for the company to respond directly to the needs of its customers, and in light of this change LWSC have kindly agreed to pass full responsibility for the provision of facilities to DCWW.
DCWW have undertaken to provide new facilities at Llandegfedd that will provide benefit for all users of the site and the Rangers staff that support activities on the reservoir.
To make sure that the right balance of provision is achieved DCWW will, with the support of LWSC, be consulting with recreational users over Christmas and the early New Year, seeking the views of all users as to the scope of improvements to be delivered. This will build upon the excellent work that has already been undertaken by LWSC.
Following completion of the consultation process, and taking into account the views received, DCWW is committed to providing new facilities at the site as soon as possible.
It is the intention of DCWW and LWSC that the new facilities should support all kinds of water based recreation at an affordable price and that there should be no detriment in service to that currently enjoyed by users of the reservoir. The Directors of Llandegfedd Watersports Centre look forward to working with DCWW to make progress on this project as soon as possible.
DCWW would like to hear your views on exactly what facilities should be provided at Llandegfedd. If you would like to make you views known in the interim please contact Estates.Business.Manager@Dwrcymru.com using the subject line Recreation at Llandegfedd
Alternatively, you can write to us at:
The Estates Business Manager
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Pentwyn Road,
Nelson,
Treharris,
Mid Glamorgan CF46 6LY