Senedd protest against new water park

Protesters gathered outside the Senedd to voice opposition to a new water park, raising concerns about water quality and the impact on local wildlife.

Almost 100 people took part in the demonstration in Cardiff Bay against the attraction at Cosmeston Country Park in the Vale of Glamorgan, which is due to open on 5 July.

"Some of the children that I work with are devastated that those in authority are taking from our wild spaces, with no regard for the damage that they might be doing," said Angela Peterken, an educator who took part in the protest.

The attraction had been based in Cardiff Bay for the last five years and includes an inflatable assault course with slides and climbing frames.

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition against the new water park.

Cosmeston Country Park opened to the public in 1978 and has been an official nature reserve since 2013.

It is a haven for local wildlife and some areas have been designated a site of special scientific interest.

Saar Lenaerts, from Barry, who organised the protest, said there were concerns about wildlife and safety.

"We have some serious concerns about water quality as well," she said.

Vale of Glamorgan council said it has worked with a number of agencies to ensure the lake is safe when the water park opens.

The attraction was moved because water quality concerns left it "unable to operate" at the bay.