MONMOUTH Senedd member Peter Fox has met with the Blaenavon World Heritage Site Commons Management Group to discuss concerns over the Keepers Pond beauty spot on the Blorenge mountain overlooking Abergavenny, such as illegal off-roading and a lack of facilities.

The pond is a major local tourist attraction, overlooking some spectacular views of Monmouthshire and the Black Mountains, attracting visitors who walk, cycle, swim and paddleboard.

The meeting, which included representatives of Monmouthshire and Torfaen County Council, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and South East Wales MS Laura Anne Jones was originally scheduled to be near the pond, but was moved to the nearby world heritage centre due to the weather,

Concerns were raised and a constructive discussion held relating to a lack of facilities for users of the pond and surrounding area, road safety, protection for livestock, and ensuring there are safeguards for biodiversity and the area’s Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In addition to this, concerns were also aired about the negative impact illegal off-roading is having on the area.

Members of the management group described how important and positive the ongoing police efforts through Gwent Police’s Operation Harley were on tackling this issue, and how essential it is that this continues.

Mr Fox said: “It was great to come together at such a well constructed meeting, and to hear about how positive tourism had been for the pond.”

“We discussed a wide range of issues, focusing on how we can ensure the pond is best equipped for visitors, about what can be done to improve road safety, all whilst ensuring the area retains its SSSI status.”

“I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with me today, and I will look to follow this up now with the relevant teams.”