Dispersal Order issued at Cosmeston Country Park
A Dispersal Order has been issued by South Wales Police to help the Vale of Glamorgan Council combat dangerous behaviour at Cosmeston Country Park.
People have been jumping into the lake from height and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
The Order enables Police Officers to direct individuals or groups to leave an area if their behaviour may cause alarm or distress to the public
There will also be Police patrolling the park.
Rob Thomas, Chief Executive of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “We have been in discussion with South Wales Police about a dangerous situation at Cosmeston Country Park.
“People have again been jumping into the lake from bridges and swimming in the water.
“Repeated requests to stop have been ignored, as have warnings about the risks of entering open water without lifeguards and safety precautions in place.
“That has left us with no option other than to ask the Police to take formal action to prevent serious injury or worse.
“Entering open water is extremely foolish and some of the behaviour witnessed beggars belief.
“The message is simple: Don’t enter the water at Cosmeston. Cold water shock can kill as can strong currents and hidden hazards.”
The Council has been trying to combat a range of antisocial and dangerous behaviour in recent days.
People have also been jumping into water from Penarth Pier and Rhoose Point.
At Cosmeston, fences installed to prevent access to the lake for swimming have been deliberately damaged.
A picnic bench at Porthkerry Park was destroyed by a barbecue, while a deliberate fire was set at one play area causing it to close
.
The sale of disposal barbecues has since been banned across the UK.
This comes at a time when South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is stretched as it tackles multiple wildfires across the region.
In response to this, the Council has been cutting meadows to reduce the risk of them catching alight.
The camera car has also been patrolling Cosmeston to try and keep people safe, while the Council is exploring options to install more permanent cameras there and at Penarth Pier.
The Council's enforcement and community safety teams, alongside neighbourhood policing teams, have also increased patrols in certain areas.
Parents are politely asked to support the Council and Police in this action by reminding youngsters of the dangers of entering open water and encouraging them to only swim in designated bathing locations.