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Owners of a “blue lagoon” in south Wales which went viral on TikTok have warned people not to enter the site.
Since it first took social media by a storm during the Covid-19 pandemic, Brombil Reservoir, near Neath Port Talbot, has attracted many visitors, which reportedly has caused issues of traffic and litter in the area in the past.
The beauty spot, known for its turquoise blue water, is nestled within a valley on Margam mountain and can be reached via a steep 900m public footpath. The body of water has locally been nicknamed a “blue lagoon”.
The reservoir has been owned by Leisure Estate Investments Ltd since 2024, who said its goal was to safely open the site for public use.
But now its owners are issuing a £2 levy per visit as a “temporary deterrent” and have installed barriers on its dam face.
Trespassers have removed the barriers, according to the BBC.
The reservoir owners’ said they intended to open it to the public eventually (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
All activities, including swimming, hiking, motorcycling, filming and camping, are prohibited without prior consent from the management team, they posted on social media.
The management team shared a statement earlier this summer: “Our long-term goal is to safely open this site for community health and well-being. However, the reservoir is currently a high-risk infrastructure site and remains private property.
“For your own safety, we strictly discourage public access at this time, and all entry is entirely at your own risk,” they said.
“Managing this site requires significant private funding for environmental protection and flood maintenance. If you choose to visit, please support our conservation efforts by paying our £2 site maintenance fee.”
They said this “maintenance fee” will go towards clearing rubbish, cutting vegetation, cleaning flood channel, protecting local biodiversity, and repairing structural damage.
The managers warned: “Unauthorized activities on these premises are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to initiate legal proceedings against any individual or organisation acting without prior written consent.”
The area is described on the website as “perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, filming and those with a keen interest for ecology.”
It was auctioned off for £20,000 in September 2024, after initially being put on the market with a guide price of £75,000, according to Wales Online.
The Independent has contacted Brombil Reservoir’s management and Neath Port Talbot Council for comment.