Latest news with #SSSI
Daily Mirror
30 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK's cheapest seaside town surrounded by mountains where houses cost £103k
Famed for its whisky distilleries, nearby golden sandy beaches, and rich wildlife - this stunning seaside town is one of the cheapest in the UK, with homes costing as little as £103,000 A 'peaceful' seaside town tucked away in a deep bay and sheltered by a lush private island has seen its house prices plummet. Moving to the coast is the ultimate dream for many Brits, but due to skyrocketing demand and limited properties - waking up to crashing waves and golden sandy beaches comes with an unaffordable price tag. Take Sandbanks, for example, a stunning slice of the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset, where house prices average out at an eye-watering £965,708. However, if you're willing to ditch the lucrative south coast of England, you can get a lot more for your money. In fact, over in Campbeltown - situated on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland, your new pad could cost just a fraction of the price. New data by Lloyds Banking Group found that average homes in the seaside town cost just £103.078 - an 11 per cent decrease compared to the year before. This is more than half of the average house price in the whole of the UK (£271,000), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown is still home to three active distilleries. Glen Scotia - one of Scotland's smallest whisky distilleries established in 1832 - still offers tours and tastings to the public. Springbank Whisky Distillers also operate in the town, and are the only place that carries out the entire whisky production process, including the traditional floor malting, maturation and bottling, on its premises. While Campbeltown doesn't actually have any of its own beaches, you'll be a stone's throw away from Westport Beach, which is often touted as the most 'beautiful' beach in Scotland. "Stretching over six miles, Westport Beach boasts the Machrihanish Dunes as its backdrop, a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the biggest sand dune area in Argyll," hails Visit Scotland. "Popular with surfers and dog walkers, West Port Beach is also a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic. The beach is nestled alongside Machrihanish Golf Course, one of the finest links golf courses in the UK." For a more adventurous day trip, head over to the privately-owned Davaar Island. Here, you'll find a wealth of wildlife, including otters, dolphins, golden eagles, Peregrine falcons, and even Minke whales - as well as a pebble beach, and crystal clear waters. "There are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price," said Amanda Byden, Head of Mortgages and Lloyds. "For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community." If you're not quite ready to ditch London for a more laid-back life on the coast, you can always explore Campbeltown on your next staycation. Located almost 550 miles from the Big Smoke, driving here will take you a whopping 10 hours in the car. You can get a train over to Oban, which usually consists of two changes and takes around eight hours and 12 minutes. Single adult fares can be bought from as little as £69.90. But, from here, you'll still be a two-hour drive away from Campbeltown - which is one of the most remote seaside towns in the UK. Despite its small size and far-reaching location, you'll still be able to find a wide range of accommodation in the town. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, June 20 - 22) at the Argyll Arms Hotel will set you back £210. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room, and including breakfast. For those wanting a more regal stay, check out the Royal Hotel Campbeltown. Here, you can stay in a Double Room on the exact same dates for £351.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Secret' cove in the UK with turquoise waters and seals
One hidden gem cove is the perfect destination for a peaceful day at the beach Nestled between the villages of Morvah and Pendeen on the Penwith Peninsula, you'll find Cornwall's hidden gem, Portheras Cove. This breathtakingly beautiful beach is a bit of a trek to reach, with a steep rocky descent past a waterfall leading to the sandy shore. Partially owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, this is a true locals' beach that might not be on the radar of those unfamiliar with the area. This secluded cove offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing beach day. However, while the turquoise waters may look tempting, swimmers should be aware of potential debris in the sea. The area has a strong undercurrent and was also the site of the Alacrity shipwreck. The wreckage was later blown in the 80s, leaving behind sharp metal fragments that can still be found in the water and sand today. There's no lifeguard service at Portheras and mobile phone reception can be patchy, so if you do decide to take a dip, make sure there's someone on the beach who can raise the alarm if needed, reports the Express. While it might not be the best place for a swim, Portheras is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Seals are among the creatures that call this cove home. Visitors to Portheras have taken to TripAdvisor to share their experiences on the beach, with one writing: "This is a really nice beach, white sands crystal clear waters and the opportunity to spot seals and other sea life from the advantage point of the high cliffs and down on the beach. "Its fantastic because its not that easy to get to down, steep rocky paths and a good walk make this beach quiet!" "Once down, be careful. The currents are strong, and the cliff face is badly eroded. I would not recommend sitting too close if you look at the precarious nature of it. No facilities, toilets or anything remotely touristy make this ideal for people who want a good adventure." Another added their voice, writing: "This is one of my favourite places. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. The sand is glorious. The two seals were very curious that day and swimming very close to a family of swimmers in wet suits. "Maybe they thought they were relatives. Don't forget to pop into Boat Cove on the way to see the sweetest, colourful working fishing cove." A third chimed in with fond memories: " We have spent hours and hours at this beach over the years; it's one of the best beaches in Cornwall. Why? The access is from a limited car park, across fields, stiles, via a meandering path through scrubland, then down a steep, rocky path, and finally over boulders, before getting to the sand. " any kids! Yay! The beach is secluded, peaceful, surrounded by cliff-rock, with beautiful clear waters, where you can often see seals. It's perfect. A perfect walkers/hikers stopover from the coastal path. We love it! (but shhhh, it's a secret!)"
ITV News
4 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Aqua Park to be installed at a popular beauty spot despite opposition from more than 2,000 people
An inflatable water park is set to be installed at a popular beauty spot despite opposition from more than 2,000 people. Vale of Glamorgan Council has approved the use of the eastern lake at Cosmeston Country Park, Penarth, to pilot the new Aqua Park attraction ahead of the school summer holidays. It follows the announcement that Aqua Park Cardiff won't be re-opening this summer in Cardiff Bay due to poor water quality. It is expected that the Aqua Park will open in its new location on Saturday 5th July 2025, and will remain open until mid-September. It will feature an inflatable obstacle course, including climbing walls, trampolines and giant slides. Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: 'The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the Council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area. 'Consultation with residents through the Council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone. 'Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious Council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston. Locals previously raised concerns and started a petition. Rachel Morgan, who started the petition, said: 'For years, Cosmeston Lake has been officially deemed unsafe for swimming, raising serious concerns over the safety measures underpinning the Aqua Park's proposal. 'Contained within this park are some of Penarth's most diverse and fragile ecosystems, home to numerous species of wildlife. The recent proposal to introduce an Aqua Park this coming summer poses a significant and direct threat to this refuge.' Cosmeston Lake Country Park contains areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protected by law against damage from development or damaging management practices due to the rare and diverse plants and animal species found there. Home to swans, mallards and otters among other waterfowl, 25.6 hectares of the lake also hold SSSI status to protect the endangered starry stonewort plant. And in 2019, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) completed a four-year reintroduction project of water voles to the lake, which are a protected species in the UK. While the east side of the lake has been used in the past for water-based leisure activities such as boating, paddle boarding and canoeing, local residents fear that relocating the aqua park there will threaten public health, swimmer safety, as well as the wildlife and habitats in and around the lake. The Vale of Glamorgan Council says it has worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy – including a detailed programme of water testing work - and there will be on-site security to reduce any opportunities for anti-social behaviour – including unauthorised camping, lighting of fires, vandalism, fly-tipping. Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said: "The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home. "We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being. "With household budgets likely to be limited again this year, we've got an amazing offer on our Aqua Park Season Passes, which means people can book up to twice a week for the whole summer giving families an easy and cost-effective way to keep the kids active throughout a staycation summer.' All visitors to Aqua Park Cardiff will be provided buoyancy aids, but must be aged six and over, 1.2m tall and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Anger and worries over plans for battery gigafactory near Newport
Plans to turn the old Uskmouth B power station in Newport into a major battery storage site have sparked heated debate among residents. The former coal-fired station, located south of the city near Nash, is set for a major transformation. Developers Simec Atlantis Energy and the Cardiff Capital Region announced an £8.5 million loan on top of £56.5 million private investment. They say the battery site could create more than 500 jobs and boost Newport's economy, while helping the city meet climate targets. Read more New £100 million centre could create 750 jobs in city Business to expand after successful first year in Caerphilly Construction firm helps save 20 tonnes of carbon by donating surplus materials But many local people are far from convinced. The project has faced a strong backlash online, with concerns about jobs, environmental impact, and safety risks dominating the discussion. On Facebook, Karen Fulker said: "They will be jobs for European workers as the energy companies bring them over. Fires are a serious concern with these facilities and becoming more and more common . Sadly all of the green land surrounding this , writhing cabling distance, will be covered in solar power stations. "There are many applications already in on the Gwent Levels and SSSI , destroying wildlife and habitat forever . We need renewable energy but not at these huge costs , the right thing in the right places . "The hundreds of jobs that COULD be created will not be for local people . This government is hell bent on trying to meet net zero at any cost , Welsh Government legislation recently released states that SSSI , arable land and the Gwent Levels must be protected so which is it?" Others are worried about the risks of battery technology. One person said: "Battery energy storage systems can pose significant risks, including: "1. Toxic Emissions: Fires can release harmful gases and pollutants, endangering the health of nearby residents and first responders. "2. Environmental Contamination: The materials in batteries can leak into the environment, contaminating soil and water sources and causing long-term ecological damage. "3. Thermal Runaway: A failure in one battery cell can lead to thermal runaway, potentially igniting nearby cells and resulting in uncontrollable fires. "4. Infrastructure Damage: Fires can cause extensive damage to the facility and surrounding infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and disruptions in energy supply. "These risks highlight the need for stringent safety measures in the operation of battery energy storage systems" Flood risk was another concern. One person noted: "Since Newport is going to become one of the largest BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] companies in the UK, it sounds as though we're the experiment for the overall safety of these systems. "Also, it's based near the sea, on flood plains! Water moisture can enter a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), and it can pose significant risks, including corrosion, increased fire hazard, and reduced battery lifespan. "BESS containers are designed to be water-resistant, but complete waterproofing is not always achievable, and certain conditions can allow moisture to penetrate." "Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable living nearby, as the challenges involved in extinguishing a battery storage fire is very difficult." Not everyone is against the idea. Stephen Christopher Bush said: "If we don't invest in technology like this, the Gwent levels we be destroyed by global warming." Boy Neath echoed environmental concerns, saying protecting wildlife should come first. However, some remain deeply sceptical about the technology. Another said: "It is technically impossible to store meaningful amounts of electricity in batteries. "Thus, the entire project is mainstream window dressing to make people believe that switching off all carbon-based power sources would be feasible without serious human casualties. "In short, this project is more madness of the 'green' agenda." The debate shows no sign of cooling, as the city weighs the future of its industrial past and its green ambitions.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Uskmouth B power station battery project debate
The former coal-fired station, located south of the city near Nash, is set for a major transformation. Developers Simec Atlantis Energy and the Cardiff Capital Region announced an £8.5 million loan on top of £56.5 million private investment. They say the battery site could create more than 500 jobs and boost Newport's economy, while helping the city meet climate targets. But many local people are far from convinced. The project has faced a strong backlash online, with concerns about jobs, environmental impact, and safety risks dominating the discussion. On Facebook, Karen Fulker said: "They will be jobs for European workers as the energy companies bring them over. Fires are a serious concern with these facilities and becoming more and more common . Sadly all of the green land surrounding this , writhing cabling distance, will be covered in solar power stations. "There are many applications already in on the Gwent Levels and SSSI , destroying wildlife and habitat forever . We need renewable energy but not at these huge costs , the right thing in the right places . "The hundreds of jobs that COULD be created will not be for local people . This government is hell bent on trying to meet net zero at any cost , Welsh Government legislation recently released states that SSSI , arable land and the Gwent Levels must be protected so which is it?" Others are worried about the risks of battery technology. One person said: "Battery energy storage systems can pose significant risks, including: "1. Toxic Emissions: Fires can release harmful gases and pollutants, endangering the health of nearby residents and first responders. "2. Environmental Contamination: The materials in batteries can leak into the environment, contaminating soil and water sources and causing long-term ecological damage. "3. Thermal Runaway: A failure in one battery cell can lead to thermal runaway, potentially igniting nearby cells and resulting in uncontrollable fires. "4. Infrastructure Damage: Fires can cause extensive damage to the facility and surrounding infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and disruptions in energy supply. "These risks highlight the need for stringent safety measures in the operation of battery energy storage systems" Flood risk was another concern. One person noted: "Since Newport is going to become one of the largest BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] companies in the UK, it sounds as though we're the experiment for the overall safety of these systems. "Also, it's based near the sea, on flood plains! Water moisture can enter a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), and it can pose significant risks, including corrosion, increased fire hazard, and reduced battery lifespan. "BESS containers are designed to be water-resistant, but complete waterproofing is not always achievable, and certain conditions can allow moisture to penetrate." "Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable living nearby, as the challenges involved in extinguishing a battery storage fire is very difficult." Not everyone is against the idea. Stephen Christopher Bush said: "If we don't invest in technology like this, the Gwent levels we be destroyed by global warming." Boy Neath echoed environmental concerns, saying protecting wildlife should come first. However, some remain deeply sceptical about the technology. Another said: "It is technically impossible to store meaningful amounts of electricity in batteries. "Thus, the entire project is mainstream window dressing to make people believe that switching off all carbon-based power sources would be feasible without serious human casualties. "In short, this project is more madness of the 'green' agenda." The debate shows no sign of cooling, as the city weighs the future of its industrial past and its green ambitions.
