DENBIGHSHIRE County Council (DCC) has issued responses to a number of complaints made regarding a nature reserve recently established in Rhyl.
Last week, it was reported that residents living nearby the Maes Gwilym site believe its maintenance to have been substandard, and the consultation preceding it to have also been lacking.
Indeed, two residents of Maes-Y-Gog, by the nature reserve, told the Journal of their numerous concerns, including anti-social behaviour at the site, dog fouling, a build-up of traffic in the surrounding areas, and the proximity of newly planted trees to gardens and railway lines.
In November 2021, DCC launched a public engagement scheme regarding the creation of four woodland sites in the county, including at Maes Gwilym, to help tackle climate change.
This two-week consultation period was part of DCC’s bid to become Net Carbon Zero and a more Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.
Earlier this year, 5,000 new trees were planted across Denbighshire as part of DCC’s woodland creation project, including 2,500 at Maes Gwilym.
Now, DCC’s head of planning, Emlyn Jones, on behalf of chief executive Graham Boase, has addressed various grievances aired in an email by Maes-Y-Gog resident Noel Martin.
In an email shown to the Journal by Mr Martin, Mr Jones first addressed his complaint that there has been a lack of communication from council officers on this matter.
He said: “A leaflet drop was carried out to all of the adjacent housing estates, inviting residents to attend a ‘safely distanced’ walkabout and consultation event with DCC staff and which took place in June 2021.
“An online consultation was then held, requesting feedback on the woodland creation plans in early November 2021.
“This was advertised on the Denbighshire website and social media as well as in local newspapers. We also offered a virtual consultation session.
“The design plans were then subsequently updated following this feedback and the eco surveys.
“We have already had much volunteer and school involvement with the tree planting days, and there is also an event organised for the local school to do plug planting next month.
“Staff are on-site on a regular basis and receive overwhelming support for the project by local residents.
“Going forward, we intend to harness this enthusiasm and to set up a designated volunteer group for the site, and to organise practical volunteering sessions along with countryside-type events.”
Mr Martin then outlined his belief that the nature reserve is being “decimated by construction work”, which has been carried out by KM Construction.
In response, Mr Jones said: “The contractors have provided a copy of their RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) and having spoken to KM Construction, they adhere to these.
“The contractors have also stated that if, on occasions there may have been shortfalls, they are happy to discuss, amend the RAMS and undertake a tool box talk with the site operatives involved.
“They don’t feel the work has been any more untidy than is absolutely necessary to undertake the construction works.
“KM Construction did hold off starting as long as possible, waiting for the weather to turn in order to minimise the impact on the surroundings.
“The materials being used on site are all graded aggregates from a Natural Resources Wales-licensed site and the materials are tested regularly by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory (the latest certificates are available).
“There are occasions when the odd plastic item slips through the process (metals are magnetically removed); this is simply removed on site by hand and disposed of in the appropriate manner.”
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Mr Martin then mentioned that he could not find the tender process to cover the work at the nature reserve, adding: “Already, there is a lack of response from DCC in which to explain to residents and users the thought and the process of the development.
“Pathways that have existed longer than I have been using the fields (27 years) have been fenced off. These are rights of way and have also had tree saplings planted on the footpaths. We require them to be removed and pathways reopened.”
Mr Martin also raised the problems regarding anti-social behaviour and dog fouling at the nature reserve.
Mr Jones responded by saying: “The correct and appropriate tender process was followed on Proactis.
“The area will remain as accessible green open space. Fencing has been erected to replace derelict fencing that existed previously and although one of the gates is currently locked this will be open on completion of the works.
“Anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and dog fouling will be dealt with by DCC’s Enforcement Team and other relevant organisations such as North Wales Police.
“We have made them aware of these concerns.”
Comments from another Maes-Y-Gog resident, who preferred not to be identified, were also passed on by Mr Martin in his email.
This concerned the site’s orchard on its bottom field, about which, the resident said, DCC “completely fenced it off and put a padlock on the gate”, as well as the apparent lack of public access to the field on the right of the site.
It also raised questions about the water depth of the pond on the site, amid fears of children drowning or wildlife being impacted, as well as the impact on traffic on “our quiet residential street”.
Mr Jones replied: “The orchard in question has always been fenced off but was in need of renewal. The padlock on the gate will be removed once the construction works are completed.
“There will be informal access to the field in question, but the surfaced paths have not been extended into this area as it is good for wildlife/biodiversity if areas are left as undisturbed as is possible.
“During the consultation phase, the erection of a small viewing platform for birdwatchers was discussed to take advantage of any sightings across the pond which has been enlarged.
“The pond is shallow and much of the excavation consists of marginal areas and where aquatic vegetation and reeds/rushes will be planted as part of the project.
“There has always been a pond in that location and which wasn’t fenced off. We are, though, happy to carry out a risk/benefit analysis with DCC’s Health and Safety team in accordance with other green open spaces and where ponds exist without fencing.
“The site will only be promoted locally and all that we have done is improve access from muddy paths to a standard that can be used by wheelchairs, disabled buggies and parents with prams.
“The management of the land was transferred to the local authority (initially Rhuddlan Borough Council) for it to be managed as accessible green open space.
“DCC have carried out their management responsibilities for over 25 years and the latest work will improve the visitor experience and allow access for all in a safe manner.
“Over the past 25 years, there has been no dialogue or permissions from the party that passed over the land as a deed of dedication.
“Historically, a cut of hay was taken each year by a local farmer at no charge following permission by DCC’s Property Department.”
Following this exchange, Mr Martin told the Journal that he would continue to take DCC to task on the issues.
He also attached a picture of dog faeces on the nature reserve (shown below), addressing Mr Jones, Mr Boase and Garry Davies, the council employee in charge of the project in an email shown to the Journal.
He wrote: “Here is a glimpse of what is occurring daily and multiple times on the nature reserve, enhanced now by the footpath and loose topping which allows dogs to mess on the pathways and let the owners cover up faeces with the topping kicking it over the fouling.
“On average, 20-30 dogs foul every day, which is left by visitors.
“Respectable dog owners here fear the already increased use by users and free wild-running dogs.
“It is a shame that this is happening when some of the work looks so good.
“Please, police this reserve, issues fines; early morning and from 4.30pm is, in the main, the problem.”
Mr Martin had previously showed the Journal emails of concern which he had previously sent to Mr Davies and Paul Mead, development manager at DCC.
Neither of these emails, he said, received a reply.
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