The owners of Brombil Reservoir, a 30m-deep 'blue lagoon' in Neath Port Talbot, have warned people not to enter the site due to safety concerns and environmental degradation. The reservoir gained popularity on TikTok during the Covid pandemic, attracting thousands of visitors who caused traffic problems and littering.
Leisure Estate Investments Ltd, which bought the site at auction for £20,000 in 2024, is now charging £2 per visit as a 'temporary deterrent' and has installed barriers on its dam face. However, these barriers have been removed by trespassers.
The company has invested in structural surveys, engineering assessments, landscaping, and waste clearance since taking ownership in 2024. It has also sought support from Neath Port Talbot council and local politicians to help fund and preserve the reservoir, but has received no response.
The reservoir is a flooded 19th Century colliery that was repurposed to supply water to Port Talbot Docks. It plays a vital role in flood protection, helping shield downstream residential areas, and has a unique aquatic ecosystem that has faced severe environmental degradation caused by fly-tipping and littering.
The company has warned that without public sector support or a partnership agreement, it could be forced to 'decommission the reservoir', which would unfortunately eliminate the unique ecosystem and impact the local community.