17 fined by officers at beauty spot
SEVENTEEN people have been fined for visiting a privately-owned Welsh beauty spot after being told not to by a local council.
In April, Neath Port Talbot Council took what they described as an “unusual step” when they asked members of the public to stop visiting Brombil Reservoir in Margam.
This request came after residents who live near the reservoir complained that an influx of visitors brought about by word of mouth on social media - was causing severe parking problems in the area and even access problems which could potentially have serious consequences as emergency services vehicles were at times unable to get to their destination.
There were also widespread issues with littering and dog mess around the picturesque site.
Since then, officers from Neath Port Talbot Council and South Wales Police have been carrying out enforcement action at the beauty spot - something they say will continue.
The council said it has issued 15 penalty charge notices for “a variety of offences” at the reservoir, while police have also issued two penalty tickets.
Three other people have also been “spoken to” by officers, who have maintained a uniformed presence at the site.
“The council does not promote Brombil Reservoir as a visitor attraction. It is privately owned and the issues have arisen due to people wishing to take photographs there to post on social media,” said Leanne Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for community safety and public protection.
“Our enforcement officers and partners from South Wales Police are maintaining a strong presence as residents are suffering a number of problems and at the same time we are working hard to arrive at a long term solution.”
Dog fouling and littering patrols have also been carried out in the area, but the council has confirmed that all dog walkers seen on their patrols so far have been acting responsibly by carrying dog waste bags.
They warned people that patrols in the area will continue.