Water Sports Tender Opportunity – Deadline 5pm April 3rd 2023
Llanelli Rural Council are inviting the submission of Tender proposals from individuals or organisations to operate licenced non-motorised water sports/adventure activities at the Lower Lliedi, Swiss Valley Reservoir. This might include: stand-up paddle board, canoe, kayak or other non-motorised water sports and will include the hiring of equipment and provide training and experience opportunities at the reservoir.
Applications will also be considered to include additional adventure opportunities, such as orienteering, nature walks, wellbeing, woodland crafts, cycling, hiking etc as deemed suitable for the facility.
Please review the attached document for full details.
Lliedi Watersports tender 23.3.2023
Introduction
In November 2020, Llanelli Rural Council agreed to a five year community adoption agreement with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water for the environs surrounding the Lower Lliedi Reservoir at Swiss Valley. The adoption is the first of its kind in Wales and enables the Council to draw down funding for site improvements.
The agreement will allow a more local ownership of the grounds with regular maintenance and litter picking, regulated angling and canoeing, reopening of the car park and toilets and improvements to the footpaths. A ranger will be employed to monitor the site and help facilitate access to the reservoir’s amenities for the general public.
This page will be updated regularly in order to provide the latest advice on matters concerning the reservoir. Progress updates will be added along with an opportunity to have your say and you can sign up to a mailing list for future announcements. There is also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) area at the bottom to help answer the most commonly asked questions received by the public about the reservoir.
Noticeboard
10 November 2021 – Our friends at Discover Carmarthenshire have put together a short video to promote the walking appeal of the reservoir. Click here to see the video.
17th November 2020 – Press Release by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water – Funding for Watersports Announced for Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Swiss Valley
2nd November 2020 – Joint Press Release by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Llanelli Rural Council – Adoption of Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Swiss Valley by Llanelli Rural Council
Updates
12th August 2021: Paddle sports access from the new pontoon.
The recently installed pontoon is restricted access for the time being and can only be used when authorised by Llanelli Rural Council (LRC). The reason for this is that we are presently finalising our water safety management plan and are working closely with Welsh Water and our insurers to establish the necessary safety protocols regarding access to the water for members of the general public. We are permitting group access for professional activity providers and established clubs. This is possible where they have provided risk assessments, proof of public liability insurance and have competence in their particular activities as certificated via national body qualifications and training. If you are interested in arranging a visit please contact 01554 774103 or [email protected] You can also access by booking with one of the local professional outdoor activity providers who regularly book sessions on the reservoir. The groups and providers arrange their attendance directly with LRC and provide details regarding insurance, risk assessments, proof of competency, coaching qualifications etc.
12th August 2021: New paddle sports club.
We are also looking into the possibility of assisting access for the general public by the formation of a paddle sports club at the reservoir that will affiliate to one or both of the national bodies; i.e. Canoe Wales / Water Skills Academy. The club would be able to provide insurance cover for members via the affiliation with the national bodies and will promote personal skill development and water safety awareness. If anyone is interested in joining a club, leave your details by clicking on the following link and you will be notified of upcoming developments. https://forms.gle/aTkXewQXVJ5ZHYZ29
12th August 2021: Regular patrols.
Council employees will be making regular unscheduled patrols at the reservoir, this will include weekends, to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour, unauthorised access to the water, prohibited camping and littering. There will also be checks that all anglers are in possession of an appropriate NRW rod licence.
12th August 2021: Swiss Valley Angling Association.
A new volunteer led angling club has been formed for the reservoir. Swiss Valley Angling Association will advise LRC on all angling matters going forward. The club will provide expert advice on re stocking, feeding programmes, fishing pegs/swims, rules, safety and so on. LRC is looking forward to working closely with the club for the betterment of the reservoir and for a more enjoyable angling experience for all. Fishing permits for the reservoir are in the process of being developed and further information will be provided in due course.
17th May 2021: Pontoon Installation complete.
NOTE: THE PUBLIC MUST NOT PADDLE ON THE WATER FOR THE TIME BEING. ACCESS WILL BE GRANTED AS SOON AS ALL THE WATER SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE.
15th May 2021: Testing new ramp and pontoon. Kayak and paddle board access test event from the new accessible ramp and pontoon.
NOTE: THIS WAS A TEST EVENT AND THE PUBLIC MUST NOT PADDLE ON THE WATER FOR THE TIME BEING. ACCESS WILL BE GRANTED AS SOON AS ALL THE WATER SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE.
15th March 2021: Footpath improvements. We’re grateful to Carmarthenshire County Council’s rights of way funding for over 1km of footpath and gate improvements that will allow people with wheelchairs and mobility scooters to access the path. Improvements have been made to the footpath on the west side of the reservoir.
15th March 2021: Toilet Block Update. The first phase of the toilet block building refurbishment is progressing well. Pictures attached show new paving and doorways for DDA accessible facilities.
22nd December 2020: Better access. We’ve improved the footbridge and footpath that begins at the entrance from the car park between the two reservoirs.
Before:
After:
16th November 2020: We found a road! Our grounds maintenance team cleared the footpath on the east side of the lower reservoir (near the tower) and found a road and turnaround / parking area underneath.
Proposed upcoming works
Toilet block refurbishment – works beginning 11 January 2021
Ramp and pontoon for paddle sports:
Aerial plan detailing the two paddle sport access points:
Fishing at the reservoirs
The intention is to provide a fully licensed angling offer at Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Swiss Valley. There is still time to have your say and further information on how to do this is available via our online survey which you can access by clicking here.
Regulated licensed angling is getting closer. Several meetings and discussions have been held with the angling community which have shaped the rules for angling at the reservoir and these are nearing completion. A new website will manage bookings, day or annual permits is also nearing completion. Restocking of fish at the reservoir will take place when it is permitted in the autumn/winter time. Local anglers have been consulted and have helped and influenced our planned restocking measures.
The upper reservoir is regulated by Llanelli Angling Club where they regulate the angling access. More details can be found on their website at http://llanelliangling.org.uk/
Canoeing at reservoir
Before we open up to the public, the council needs to put in place actions stemming from its water safety management plan which is currently being developed. More information to follow.
Have your say
Please provide us with your views about the Lower Lliedi Reservoir at Swiss Valley by clicking on the following link https://forms.gle/H2Ky6ZQa17RzxRvh8
Mailing list
Click here to join the mailing list for regular updates and information about planned activities at the reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I fish at the reservoir?
A. Bank fishing is currently permitted on Lower Lliedi Reservoir without a permit, however a NRW rod licence is still required and NRW Angling bye-laws apply. Removal of fish from Lower Lliedi Reservoir is illegal and will be treated as theft. The Council will be introducing a regulated system where anglers at the reservoir will have to purchase permits and demonstrate that they have the required rod license.
Q. Where can I park my car?
A. There are two car parks. the car park situated off the A476 Llannon Road is open from 9am until 8pm daily. There is also an ungated smaller car park situated between the Upper and Lower Lleidi reservoirs.
Q. Is the toilet block open?
A. At the moment the toilet block is only available to clients of event organisers, however the intention is to be able to open the toilet block building to the general public.
Q. Can I take my canoe / paddle board onto the water?
A. Presently only via a professional provider. However general access will be granted as soon as all the water safety measures are in place.
Q. Can I swim at the reservoir?
A. Swimming in the reservoir is not permitted.
Q. Can I access the top reservoir?
A. No. Access to the top reservoir is for members of Llanelli Angling Club only.
Q. Can access for horse riders be considered?
A. Horse riding will not be permitted along either footpath.
