As you by now will be aware, Welsh Water is the new owner of Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs (after securing their long term lease from CELSA UK) so that they can strengthen water resources for the capital for the future
They are aiming to open the site up for public access and to explore what recreational opportunities the site could offer. However, there is a lot of work that is needed to be done at the site first to fully understand its condition and over the course of the next 12 months Welsh Water personnel, and contractors, will be working on the site. Some of the work they will be undertaking will include:
Ecological surveys to fully understand the valuable flora and fauna that exists on the site
Ground and dam condition surveys, in particular to understand the condition of Llanishen
Reservoir which has been drained for a number of years. Understanding its condition will be essential to help determine what remedial work is required to enable any future refill.
Health & Safety improvements to manage any hazards on site which could pose a risk to public health
Ground maintenance, such as grass cutting and vegetation removal around the banks of the reservoirs.
They are in close liaison with Natural Resources Wales to ensure that all work is carried out with due regard to the sensitive SSSI status of the site.
In order to facilitate the work (from July) they will be setting up a work compound area in the old car park located at the southern edge of Llanishen Reservoir - i.e the car park that is accessed from next to 127 Rhydypennau Road. At present, they think the compound will be in place for around 12 months and safe, and alternative routes are to be provided while the compound is in place. Vegetation clearance work on the southern side will take place through the summer and temporary diversions for pedestrians will be in place. Also, they will need to erect a perimeter fence around the site
Any queries, contact Gwyn Thomas, Head of Regional Communications, at
Linea
Fortran Road
St Mellons
Cardiff
CF3 0LT
0800 052 0130
dwrcymru.com