A heritage group has spoken out against the controversial Aqua Park at Cosmeston Lakes.
Until recently, Penarth Civic Society has held off its criticism of the water park - but the group says there's been a fall in the bird population at the country park.
The Aqua Park Group has deal with Vale of Glamorgan Council to run a pilot until later this month.
After this, the local authority will asses the trial, which has been opposed by thousands of residents and park users, and decide whether or not to allow a more permanent attraction on site.
In a letter to the county council, David Noble, a trustee with the civic society, said: "We are very concerned that there has been a very detrimental effect on wildlife in the area, in particular there are only two swans left on the lakes as many have been driven away."
“Birdlife by the visitor centre has also drastically changed, there are a few ducks but seagulls are now the most prominent residents.”
Mr Noble added that the group was told about people using the aqua park at night when the facility was closed.
But that was denied by a senior council officer, who said that claim was "unfounded" and that the site had a dedicated security guard working overnight between 6pm and 6am, seven days a week.
The council also said surveys had shown no decline in wetland bird species at Cosmeston and that swan numbers had historically fluctuated there.
Mr Noble's letter continued: "The society discussed the project when it was announced but held an opinion in reserve, having assumed that the council had taken advice from its ecology cfficer."
"Now that the facility is operational, we feel that it is having a very detrimental effect on the lake and would urge you to cancel any contract you have with the operator as soon as possible."
At a council scrutiny committee in March, members were told that Aqua Park planned to move away from its Cardiff Bay site due to water quality issues.
Marcus Goldsworthy, Vale Council's director of place, said at the time that the move presented an opportunity for the local authority to generate income for improving park facilities at Cosmeston.
But from the moment the council announced an agreement with Aqua Park to carry out a pilot, there was huge opposition from people fearing the impact it would have on wildlife and the character of Cosmeston.
A petition opposing the plans has gained 7,557 signatures since March while a campaign group has threatened legal action.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, cabinet member for sustainable places, said: "The council’s ongoing placemaking work has identified a clear demand for diverse leisure opportunities in our country parks."
"We are committed to providing inclusive and accessible spaces all while supporting nature conservation, rewilding, and long-term sustainability."
“Any potential impacts of the pilot activity – specifically relating to wildlife, noise, safety, and security – were considered by the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee in March, and were also reviewed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as part of their separate consenting process."
“The operator of the Aqua Park submitted an ecology report by Acer Ecology, which was reviewed and approved by the council and NRW as meeting ecological standards. Based on this, the pilot was approved."
"A full ecological impact assessment will follow the trial, using data from ongoing surveys by Acer Ecology, NRW, and the council’s own ecologist."
"Our countryside rangers have conducted national wetland bird surveys at Cosmeston Lakes for over a decade, with data submitted to a national database. These surveys show no decline in wetland bird species during the period of the pilot."
"Swan numbers at Cosmeston have fluctuated historically, with recent changes largely due to an outbreak of avian influenza in previous years, allowing a dominant pair to establish territory and deter others from settling – a pattern reflected in long-term monitoring records."
"To ensure the security of the Aqua Park outside of operating hours, the site is secured by a dedicated security guard from 6pm to 6am, seven days a week. No incidents of unauthorised use have been reported during the pilot period."
"We remain committed to monitoring the pilot closely and to ensuring that any future decisions are informed by robust ecological evidence and community feedback."
The Aqua Park Group, which also runs two attractions at Lakeside in Essex and at Rutland, said the move to Cosmeston Lakes had created 40 jobs locally - with 16 new lifeguards being trained for the launch.
The inflatable assault course, which includes over 40 connected obstacles, slides and splash zones, will operate until 14th September.
Additional reporting by the Bro Radio Newsroom
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