CALLS have been made for information to be released about what commercial activities could be headed to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.

Plans for a wide range of activities to boost the park's income were announced by the council in January with the authority inviting tenders to submit tourism and commercial ideas for the site, in a bid to safeguard its future.

The Vale council said previously it is considering ideas such as hosting weddings and fayres, as well as outdoor pursuits in the park, while new activities were announced in August as part of the first phase of the plans.

These include mountain biking and an ice cream parlour, which the local authority says it hopes to implement by Easter.

But Plaid Cymru insists that other plans are being kept under wraps by the Labour-run council and that the park must be protected from any potentially "disruptive" activities.

Plaid Cymru spokesman, Richard Grigg said: "Since we discovered that there was a range of activities with private companies being planned we have been struggling to find our more details.

"It is not right that this much loved country park is facing potentially disruptive activities but the public are denied a say in matters.

"We recognise that there are financial challenges but that is no excuse for this secrecy.

"The Vale is proposing a range of water based activities and also high ropes, zip wire courses, climbing walls, archery, cycling, field sports, environmental education, tourism based events, weddings, fayres, and retail opportunities.

Mr Grigg said he appreciates the need to attract extra income but that hopes that there will be full consultation with the public over the proposals.

Plaid councillor Chris Franks added: "Plaid understands that phase one of the commercial plans has been agreed subject to contract.

"Now the Vale council is moving to the next phase of the bids but the details are sketchy.

"The country park is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Vale.

"People love the wildlife and the peaceful surroundings. The public need to know what is being proposed.

"The beauty and peaceful nature of the park must be protected."

In response, deputy leader of the council, cllr Lis Burnett said the Vale is "committed" to preserving the special nature of Cosmeston Country Park but also recognises the need to diversify its appeal in order to ensure long-term sustainability.

"We are currently considering two proposals to add new features to the park that require planning approval and the public will be able to share their views on these once planning applications have been submitted," she said.

"Great progress is being made in broadening what is currently on offer at the council’s country parks.

"The council is also in advanced negotiations that could see sections of Cosmeston park available to hire for weddings and other events.

"These new ventures will give even more people a reason to visit the country parks and help generate new sources of income that we hope will help secure the parks’ future.

"The council has of course taken great care in vetting all submissions to ensure that proposals will complement what is already on offer and in no way disadvantage existing users of the park or compromise our commitment to the environment."