…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
The public will no longer have access to a walkway surrounding Tanygrisiau Reservoir due to irresponsible dog owners.
First Hydro, the owner of the reservoir, has run out of patience with the issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets, which disrupts dam maintenance.
Gates and fencing are being erected on the walkways at Tanygrisiau, Gwynedd, from May 1, ending public access to the area.
John Armstrong, First Hydro’s station manager, said they have had a real problem with dog owners not clearing up after their pets or leaving poo bags behind.
He explained that maintenance staff must clear the mess before starting work, as bags are thrown off the dam and left hanging from equipment.
Last year, First Hydro began discussions with local Gwynedd Council member, Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, to discuss the issue, but it has not improved.
Residents in Tanigrisiau and Blaenau Ffestiniog were devastated by the ban, and a campaign has been launched to allow access to the walkway again.
While many accept the reason for the ban, responsible dog walkers have expressed their disappointment and are calling for action to be taken against those who spoil the facility for others.
Tanygrisiau Reservoir 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, driving four water turbines to generate enough electricity to power the whole of North Wales for several hours.
Dog fouling escalated in the wake of the pandemic, and despite attempts to address the issue, First Hydro has decided to close the walkway to the public.
Analysis and Commentaries
The closure of Tanygrisiau Reservoir’s walkway highlights the impact that irresponsible dog owners can have on public spaces.
While the majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, a small minority who do not can create significant issues that ultimately affect everyone.
In this case, the issue has disrupted dam maintenance and left maintenance staff with the unpleasant task of clearing up dog mess before carrying out their work.
The closure of the walkway will be disappointing for responsible dog owners who have enjoyed the facility and have not contributed to the issue.
However, it is essential to prioritize the safety and hygiene of workers and the public in such cases.
It is also important to consider the long-term impact of the closure on the community’s physical and mental health, as the walkway offers great scenery and a valued local facility.
Overall, it is crucial for dog owners to take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them to ensure that public spaces remain clean, safe, and accessible to everyone.
By doing so, they can help prevent the closure of facilities such as Tanygrisiau Reservoir’s walkway and ensure that they remain available for everyone to enjoy.