Tuesday 13 September 2011

And did those feet.............................

Well! We know it's been a while since the great Save our Cardiff Reservoirs Walks, but this blog has been worth waiting for!

You may recall that early in September there was a fund raising walk organised by Chris Lewis, along with his team, who are experienced in organising quite serious walks such as the Three Peaks, Snowdonia and many others.

Chris offered to organise the walk to raise vital funds for The Reservoir Action Group, by forming a group called SOCRW - Save our Cardiff Reservoirs Walk. The walk, on 3 September, was supported by politicians of all parties, with a total number of walkers reaching 130 on the day.
The walk was a huge success with a surprising number accepting the daunting challenge of the full 21 miles Gold walk, whilst the majority completed a variety of alternative routes ranging from Silver to Zinc.

The total amount raised towards RAG's fighting fund was £2118:00, made up of entry fees and a large boost from stunning sponsorships raised by John Weldon and Isabelle Good, of over £750 and £400, respectively, for which we say a special ‘thank you’. And, RAG offers a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part.

RAG has fought a ten year long battle to prevent the destruction of this unique open area, one of Cardiff's four protected river corridors, the other three are the Rivers Ely, Taff and Rhymney. All four of these open spaces are protected by current Council Planning Policy

This Summer Cardiff County Council and RAG opposed these plans to destroy one of the City's strategic, and most beautiful, open spaces at another Public Inquiry inflicted on the residents of Cardiff by Western Power (WPDI Ltd).

The reservoir was drained in 2010 for engineering safety inspections which were completed by the end of November that year. The drain valve should then have been closed to enable the slow process of refilling by rainfall to begin. However WPDI Ltd have refused to close this valve and state they have no intention of doing so.

The council fought a legal battle in 2008 to extend their lease for sailing tuition and evidence was given at Inquiry that the Council do intend to re-start sailing tuition on the uniquely safe and pure waters of Llanishen once water levels permit. RAG will continue to provide full support to the Council to achieve sailing for our children, and their children in safe, clean water.

The Inspector is due to publish his recommendation some time in the spring. However the final decision will be taken some time later by the Minister Mr John Griffiths AM.

The funds raised by this very well planned walk made a significant contribution to paying RAG’s high legal bills and on behalf of the RAG membership, we say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to Chris and his team for a very well organised day and all the hard work before, and on the day from our volunteers, that made it such a huge success. And amazingly Chris and his team, being ‘gluttons for punishment’ have already set another date for the next Save Our Cardiff Reservoirs Walk on Saturday 7 July 2012, so please put this date in your diary because
RAG is asking all existing members to continue supporting our fight to preserve our precious open spaces, and to also support the Council in doing all it can to uphold its planning policies, and the legislation which seeks to protect Wales's historic structures, in the face of continuous threats from developers and speculators.