Opposition to beauty spot aqua park 'malicious tripe'

A WELSH council leader has hit back at campaigners opposing controversial plans for a water park at Cosmeston Lakes.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor [e-mail]

Vale of Glamorgan council leader Lis Burnett said some of the criticisms of the scheme were “malicious tripe” and “rubbish” spread by “disinformation.”

Her comments come in a long response posted on Facebook after a protest at the lake on June 14 and heated debate and comment on social media.

On Saturday, hundreds of people formed a human chain around the lake where the water park is planned this summer.

Opponents claim the plans will cause harm to wildlife at the 100-acre Cosmeston Country Park, as well as traffic chaos. There are also concerns about the park encouraging swimming, which is usually banned.

The plan to move the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to the eastern lake at Cosmeston was announced in May, with an opening date set for July 5.

A trial of the inflatable water course is set to last eight weeks over the summer months, The park is home to wildlife including water fowl and the endangered water vole.

Opponents of the water park say they fear it will disrupt and potentially harm their habitats. Part of the park, although not where the aqua park would be, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest protecting rare plant and animal species.