Public access to a walkway around a reservoir with stunning views is ending because of an issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets. Gates and fencing are being erected on the walkways at Tanygrisiau, Gwynedd, on May 1.
Owner First Hydro said it had run out of patience with an issue that had long vexed its maintenance staff because they had to clear the mess before being able to carry out their work.
John Armstrong, First Hydro’s station manager at Ffestiniog and Dinorwic, told NorthWalesLive: “For quite a while now, we have had a real problem with some dog owners not clearing up poo or leaving poo bags behind. We realise it’s only a minority but they are disrupting dam maintenance.
“We see bags thrown off the dam and left hanging from equipment. Some goes into drains on the dam itself. Maintenance teams must first clear it up before they can start work.”
Llyn Ystradau, colloquially known as Tanygrisau reservoir, forms part of the UK’s first major pumped storage system. It is fed by water from the upper Stwlan reservoir high up in the Moelwyn mountains, which drops 1,000ft to Ffestiniog Power Station at Tanygrisau. Here, it drives four water turbines to generate enough electricity to power the whole of North Wales for several hours.
From Llyn Ystradau, there are views up to the Moelwyns and fleeting glimpses of heritage steam trains on the Ffestiniog Railway. When the power station was built in the early 1960s, the railway track was diverted to accommodate the new reservoir.
Dog fouling escalated in the wake of the pandemic and last year First Hydro began discussions with local Gwynedd Council member, Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn. Despite arranging for a dog poo bin nearer the walkway, and issuing social media pleas, he was was unable to stem the problem.
Posters were erected at Lakeside Cafe at the head of Llyn Ystradau but still the fouling persisted. By February, 2023, First Hydro said fouling issues had become “terrible”. Tens of dog poo bags were being fished from drains and staff found themselves in the front line.
“As soon as staff cleaned up an area, dog poo would start reappearing and they'd have to start all over again,” said Mr Armstong. “On one occasion a member of the maintenance team put down his helmet only to find it smeared when he picked it up. It’s not an issue that affects the dam’s operation but it is a hygiene issue for staff. It is disgusting for them to have to constantly deal with it.
“The situation has become so bad that we have been left with no option but to remove general access to the dam walkway. We realise it is disappointing for a lot of people, including responsible dog walkers, as the walkway offers great scenery.”
Residents in Tanigrisiau and Blaenau Ffestiniog were left devastated by the ban. While many accept the reason, irresponsible dog walkers have come under fire for spoiling a treasured facility for others.
On social media, one woman said: “So sensible owners miss out because of filthy selfish people who call themselves dog lovers.” Another added: “This is so unfair for the rest of us walking along our beautiful dam, especially after everything we’ve all been through in the last few years. Please re-open it as soon as possible for people’s physical and mental health.”
There’s been muted talk of a protest at the walkway. Already a lobbying campaign has been launched, with residents writing of their disappointment to First Hydro.
Cllr ap Elwyn said the access ban was a “painful” proposition for local people. “It’s the same story everywhere - the actions of a few people spoil things for everyone else,” he said. “Probably 99.9% of people respect the community but a tiny percentage do not. Runners use the walkway and it’s flat enough for prams and bikes. It’s a valued local facility for many people.
“I hope dialogue can continue with First Hydro so that perhaps a solution can be found in the future. I would encourage the local community to continue writing to the company so that it is aware of how people are affected.” Messages can be emailed to: info@fhc.co.uk .
When First Hydro warned it would be ending public access to the Ystradau, dog fouling dropped off. But it wasn’t enough to convince the company to back down as it suspected a single member of the public was cleaning up after others. The company said it would continue accepting requests from groups and schools to use the dam walkway, but public access would end once gates were installed, scheduled for May 1.
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