At a Covid-compliant meeting with stakeholders in Llanfairfechan today, Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – was pleased to receive confirmation that Welsh Water will not work to drain the Llyn Anafon reservoir, instead opting for a 37% reduction.
Llyn Anafon currently holds a high-risk classification by Natural Resources Wales, partially because of the risk to the population downstream. It presently holds around 63,200 tonnes of water. As a redundant asset, Welsh Water are now proposing moves to address the significant seepage and depression in the embankment.
Commenting after the meeting, Janet said:
“The Llyn Anafon lake has a treasured and cherished history for the people of Llanfairfechan, Dwygyfylchi and Penmaenmawr. However, with the risk of future spillages remaining high and potentially impacting local residences, Welsh Water have now proposed a 37% reduction.
“The slow lowering of the water line will ensure that the site remains a feature of the local landscape, whilst realising the need for action under present regulations. I am also pleased to have found that extensive and appropriate work to protect the flora and fauna has been undertaken.
“In fact, the recent ecological studies undertaken have found that, whilst the lake is a spawning site for Brown Trout, the environment is oligotrophic and so offers little to sustain life. With this in mind, it is hoped that this work will help to remove the current barriers to fish migration.
“After draining caused issues for sheep and wild ponies in 2008, residents have shared with me their anxiety about the impact of draining on the surrounding farmland. I have used today’s meeting to ensure that this potential problem is realised by officials at Welsh Water.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS at the meeting in Llanfairfechan.
