The Bridgend Community Safety Partnership is urging people who live in the vicinity of the former Margam Mine opencast to report any instances of off-road motorcycling and scrambling at the site.
It follows concerns that the illegal activity could cause injuries and accidents as well as extensive damage to the local environment, which in the years since mining operations ceased has become home to protected species such as greater crested newts, the hazel dormouse, potentially rare flowers, ground-nesting birds such as lapwings and more.
All public rights of way at the privately owned site, which is located near Bedford Park and Parc Slip Nature Reserve, were suspended when the open cast was still active.
While they remain currently unavailable, Bridgend County Borough Council is working closely alongside the landowner to develop an all-new network of rights of way for the site.
Despite this, reports have been received of people using the area to exercise their dogs in addition to illegal offroad biking, increasing the chances of a potential collision.
There are also concerns that with summer on the way, people may attempt to swim in the flooded void which lies at the centre of the site – something which could prove to be extremely dangerous due to the depth, cold temperature, underwater obstacles and more.
Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader at Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “Anyone who trespasses on this privately owned land needs to realise that it is an old industrial site, and there are various hidden dangers. Nobody should be entering this area until a formal network of public access rights of way can be established.
“With protected species such as greater crested newts even being discovered in puddles at the former opencast, it is clearly an untapped ecological resource that could potentially become a recognised site of special scientific interest in the future, especially as it is located so close to other protected sites.
“While off-road vehicles like quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes and trail bikes are designed for rough terrain, their use is often restricted to ensure safety and protect the environment. If taking place on private property, permission must always be in place from the landowner.
“To be clear, any such activity taking place at the former opencast is illegal, and should be reported. You can do this by calling 101 or by filling in a simple online form at www.south-wales.police.uk
“I would urge anyone who is thinking of off-roading at this site to think twice, and to choose an alternative legal location instead. The police have the power to seize vehicles that are used inappropriately, and the penalties for committing such an offence include fines and possible prosecution.”
