New fence to secure reservoirs

A NEW fence will be installed around Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs in a bid to make the site more secure and stop unauthorised access.

Permission has been given by Cardiff council to Dwr Cymru to install secure fencing and gates to the west and south of Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs.

The plans for the fence say it will be a 2m tall mesh without barbed wire on the top.

It will be put in place against the existing line of trees.

At other parts of the site, new gates will be installed for both pedestrians and vehicles.

In one section, the fence will rise to 2.4m.

Welsh Water took over the site from steel company Celsa in 2016 and said it wanted to reopen the site to the public if possible.

A security assessment was undertaken a year ago which says that while there is a private security presence and foot patrols, there is still “unauthorised access”.

The report says: “At the current time, site access is controlled by a private security guard presence.

“The guard is located at a hut close to the Lisvane reservoir during the hours of 8am and 6pm, with extending hours as the hours of daylight increase. Regular foot patrols take place throughout the shift period in an attempt to control unauthorised access by dog walkers, joggers and those embarking upon anti-social behaviour.

“Historical information, current findings and observations highlight a high level of unauthorised public access to the reservoir sites, even with a security presence.”

The report also says there is an absence of signs about either who owns the site or safety.

It says that “users have chosen to ignore many of the obvious hazards relating to fall from height, slip trip fall and deep water”.

“In many instances the unauthorised users are taking risks which have the potential for significant consequences which may cause them to suffer personal harm. Measures to secure the perimeter fence line and prevent access by the previous occupier has proved ineffective.”

The report also found that while there are a number of lifebuoy/life ring containers, none have any equipment.

The proposal said that installing the new fences and gates would prevent “unauthorised access to the site and securing the potential hazards within”.

It will also help protect the Grade IIlisted structure inside.

A spokesman for Welsh Water said: “We are pleased that planning permission has been granted to reinstate the perimeter fence at Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs.

“We are still in the process of reviewing the details of the determination and we will update local residents as soon as have a date for starting the work on the fence.”