Concerns about Keepers Pond near Blaenavon were discussed at a site meeting attended by two Senedd members and other interested organisations.
Peter Fox, MS for Monmouth, and South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones met the Blaenavon World Heritage Site commons management group, representatives of both Monmouthshire and Torfaen councils and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
The pond on the Blorenge is a popular tourist attraction and has spectacular views of Monmouthshire and the Brecon Beacons. The area attracts visitors throughout the year, who walk, cycle, swim and paddleboard, to name but a few activities. Mr Fox heard concerns and took part in a constructive discussion relating to a lack of facilities for users of the pond and surrounding area, road safety, protection for livestock, and ensuring there are safeguards for biodiversity and the area’s SSSI. He was also told about the negative impact illegal off-roading is having on the area and heard about the Gwent Police Operation Harley which was tackling the issue.
Mr Fox said: “It was great to come together at such a well constructed meeting, and to hear about how positive tourism had been for the pond. “We discussed a wide range of issues, focusing on how we can ensure the pond is best equipped for visitors, about what can be done to improve road safety, all while ensuring the area retains its SSSI status.” “I was very interested to hear about Operation Harley. It is very important that initiatives such as this are able to continue, and I will be contacting Gwent Police to discuss this further.”