Park’s lake set to be drained

WATER will be drained from Aberdare Park to give it a big clean-up – and it could begin before Christmas.

Fish will be removed before the job begins.

ABERDARE Park’s stunning lake is set to be drained for a thorough clean-up – and it could begin before Christmas.

The process of emptying, cleaning and refilling the lake at Aberdare Park could begin before Christmas, it has been revealed.

During June, the council announced it would fund a project to spruce up the beautiful public park in the Cynon Valley – with improvements including resurfacing footpaths (£11,000 investment) and improving the bowls pavilion (£18,000).

Among the announcement was that more than £20,000 would be spent cleaning the park’s lake and its surrounding areas - which the newly-formed Friends of Aberdare Park community group have pushed for.

Now, Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf council ‘s cabinet mem- ber for environment, leisure and culture, said work on the lake could be just weeks away.

The job would involve emptying it – including safely removing all the fish – cleaning it and then re-filling it.

She said: “As announced in the summer, £100,000 is being invested in Aberdare Park as part of the council’s commitment to invest in its leisure spaces across the county borough for the benefit of residents.

“With improvements to footpaths and the bowls pavilion within the park, as well as £50,000 investment in the park’s play area, already completed, preparatory works have now begun on the lake improvements.

“It is anticipated work to empty, clean and refill the lake will begin before Christmas, depending on the granting of licenses by Natural Resources Wales to move the fish out of the lake.

“The work will see the lake cleaned and the surrounding area improved to ensure this focal point of the park is at its best.”

She added: “The areas for investment had been highlighted by the Friends of Aberdare Park, working alongside myself and ward colleagues for Aberdare West, councillor Sharon Rees and councillor John Davies.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a picturesque green space within Aberdare which has recently played host to the Tour of Britain and Aberdare Festival.

“It is somewhere that all residents are incredibly proud of and these enhancements will further improve this public space for all visitors who use and enjoy the area.”