A POPULAR Port Talbot walking spot has been shut off to the public due to the outbreak of a "killer" shrimp.

Tata Steel, which owns Eglwys Nunydd reservoir in Margam, has had to prevent public accessing the site, following the invasive shrimp dikerogammarus villosus being discovered last November.

The pest, which has been dubbed the "killer" shrimp, has an unpleasant characteristic of killing many animals, including young fish, but leaving many uneaten.

Access

A spokesman for Tata Steel said although there was actually no right of way for the public at the site, a decision had been made to make sure access was stopped.

Gavin Collier, 28, from Margam, usually runs there around three or four times a week.

"I drove down there on Monday and there was a man there locking the gates and said the public were not allowed access anymore," he said.

"It is very popular and a lot of people will be disappointed that they can no longer go there.

"It is not just the runners, but the dog walkers as well.

"I was thinking about going to Tata to ask about setting up a running group so people could still use it."

Margam councillor Stan Mason said: "There is no doubt that residents will miss it.

"It is a place where people like to walk, especially on fine days like we are having.

"I would like to see a full report from the Environment Agency to see what is happening at the reservoir."

A spokesman for Tata said: "There is no public right of way in and around the reservoir and there never has been.

"The company has had to look very closely at access because of a couple of things.

"The reservoir is a piece of operational plant.

"We have a clear responsibility to it in terms of the deep water and that it is part of an industrial site."

Outbreak

He added that the decision to restrict access was taken following the outbreak of the dikerogammarus villosus.

"The Environment Agency has taken this very seriously," he said.

"One of the things it were concerned about was dogs going into the water and picking them up and spreading them.

"We have also been concerned about vandalism and security issues in the area.

"It is not an area which is regularly policed.

"The business is still committed to retaining the clubs that go there and to carry on with community events on the reservoir, but health and safety will be applied.

"It is sad because the community is suffering from this invasion.

"There is nothing anyone can do about it."

An Environment Agency Wales spokeswoman said: "We have been helping Tata Steel, which owns and manages Eglwys Nunydd, and the local angling and sailing clubs to put control measures in place to stop the spread of the invasive shrimp dikerogammarus villosus since it was discovered there last November.

"This shrimp is a predator which can out-compete native species and alter local ecology, so it is important that where it is found it is kept in check.

"We encourage all water users to "check clean and dry" to help stop the spread of invasive water-borne species.

"People can help by checking equipment and clothing, and cleaning and thoroughly drying it before going anywhere else."

gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk