Visitors urged to stay away from reservoir due to rising popularity
PEOPLE are being urged to stay away from a beautiful hidden reservoir that’s become hugely popular as a spot to take selfies.
In recent months huge numbers of people have flocked to get the perfect Instagram shot overlooking a stunning turquoise reservoir, with word of mouth and social media feeds turning what was a little known location into a must-visit destination.
There was even a Tiktok video which directed people how to get there.
Brombil reservoir near Margam features strikingly blue water surrounded by hills and forest. But, just a stone’s throw away from the M4, in Margam, visitors have to drive through a number of residential streets in order to access the beauty spot, as well as some privately owned roads.
It’s become such a popular attraction that residents living nearby have often experienced severe parking problems and blocked access on a regular basis. And the issue has become so bad that Neath Port Talbot Council has now asked people not to visit the reservoir, at least temporarily, until a parking solution is found.
Double yellow lines have been put in place near the reservoir but, in some instances, they have been ignored and have often led to parking issues in nearby areas instead.
The county council explained that emergency services had experienced issues in the area with access often being blocked, while the beauty spot, which is privately owned, has also seen an increase in littering and dog mess.
After meetings held between South Wales Police and councillors, Neath Port Talbot Council has requested that people who have no essential need to go to the reservoir should not go there.
A statement from the council said: “Residents living near Brombil Reservoir in Margam, Port Talbot, have been suffering from a huge rise in the reservoir’s popularity largely due to people seeking to post photographs of it on social media.
“It has led to frequent blocked access and severe parking problems for local residents and access for emergency vehicles has often become blocked. There are also issues involving littering and dog mess.
“As a result, Neath Port Talbot Council is politely requesting that recreational visitors stay away from the reservoir while a solution to the parking and other problems is worked on.
“Police, councillors and others have already held meetings to discuss the issue and it was felt that while the discussions continue, an appeal to wouldbe visitors to refrain from going there - accompanied by an explanation of the difficulties being faced by local people - could go some way towards easing the problem.”