FEARS have been expressed that a well-known Lampeter beauty spot is being ruined by widespread littering and the dumping of agricultural waste.

The area around Falcondale Lake and nearby Derigoch Wood has long been renowned as a haven for local wildlife.

One local woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I have visited the lake many times over the last decade and have been puzzled as to why the wildlife has dwindled.”

County councillor Hag Harris, who lives a short distance from the lake, said he was “appalled” at the amount of litter and rubbish.

“You’re talking cans, bottles, takeaway food containers and general rubbish,” he said. “A lot of detritus has been thrown into the lake itself.

“The county council periodically clears up the verges, but because Falcondale Lake is privately-owned the chief responsibility lies with the owner, who I have great sympathy for as this is clearly a major headache.”

Lake owner Daniel Rees could not be contacted.

Callum Stone, environment officer for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), said: “NRW have written to all local farms notifying them that we were aware that slurry was being spread illegally and should we find who is responsible enforcement action would be taken against them. Since then, we’ve had no further reports of illegal spreading to the woodland.”

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