Of course, to create employment and boost the economy is important, but there must be a balance between the genuine need and benefit of finite major infrastructure projects and the preservation at least, enhancement at best, of our environment. To destroy land and water without very good reason means the loss of valuable habitat and the further endangering of many species of wildlife which, when gone, can never return. How would humans feel, I wonder, if their homes and survival sources were destroyed and they had nowhere else to go?
For 10 years Western Power Distribution has been using its money and might through the courts to try to force Cardiff Council to agree for them to build 324 houses on what is now Llanishen reservoir, turning an area of nature conservation into an urban suburb at great cost to the environment. It is likely that the motivation for Western Power was to make money out of an “unproductive” asset with no regard for the views of the many opponents to the scheme who wished to protect this area of countryside, but now the Welsh Assembly has rejected its plans, hopefully definitively.
It is ironic that WPD has continued in its battle to destroy the reservoir at a time when the UK is concerned about its water supply and is planning to build many new reservoirs. Llanishen reservoir has not been used as such for some 40 years, but it is likely to be possible for it to be developed sympathetically and used again as it was intended to be when it was constructed in the 19
th Century, without endangering its present residents.
It is wonderful that Cardiff Council and the Welsh government have supported the many people who have campaigned so hard and so long on an issue to do with the welfare of the environment. It gives hope for the future and proves, again, that it is very worthwhile making your voice heard on issues that matter, for it can be heard, and heeded, by those who count.
Claire Montanaro is a spiritual teacher, channel and blogger. Loves nature and wildlife. Author of
Spiritual Wisdom.]]>
