MORE than 10,000 people have signed a petition against the idea of bringing wakeboarding to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.

The petition entitled Don't Bring Wakeboarding to Cosmeston Lakes was set up by Plaid Cymru council election candidate for St Augustine's ward and environmental campaigner, Anne Greagsby.

It comes as the Vale council announced last week that it was in discussions with Cosmeston Lakes Wake Park about making it the first commercial activity at the park.

But Ms Greagsby, who is also a member of Penarth Civic Society, says the peace and tranquility at the lake at Cosmeston Country Park, which is a site of specific scientific interest, would be "seriously disturbed" by commercial cable-wakeboarding.

Cable wakeboarding involves holding onto a rope attached to a cable mechanism which takes participants around a circuit laid out with ramps and other obstacles.

In January, the council announced it was looking into commercial ventures to increase revenue for its country parks including Cosmeston.

Ideas that have been suggested included mountain biking, weddings and fayres and an ice cream parlour.

If approved by the council's planning department, the cable-wakeboarding would be based in the eastern section of the lake.

Ms Greagsby said: "I love Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and walking and riding my tricycle there.

"I love the wildlife, watching the birds, the peace and tranquility and I don't want that destroyed.

"Obviously many people feel the same.

"I do not agree with the commercialisation of the park.

"The council promised activities that were no threat to wildlife but wake boarding presents a very real threat to wildlife.

"It is noisy, disruptive and intrusive.

"I hope the Vale council will realise the strength of feeling for Cosmeston Lakes as the gem it is.

"We do not want to see Cosmeston turned into a noisy pleasure park.

"The Vale council has many other sites more suitable for commercial leisure activities," she said.

But Gareth Stevenson of Cosmeston Lakes Wake Park refuted these claims saying that protecting the various species which reside in the park have been at the forefront of their minds when developing the plans.

He said: "We have chosen Cosmeston Lakes as the location for South Wales’ only wake park as the site offers a stunning natural location that is within easy reach of south Wales' major towns and cities.

"Nearby Penarth also offers the accommodation, restaurants and pubs which will encourage visitors to travel not only for day visits but also overnight stays and possibly even longer breaks.

“The attraction will attract visitors to Cosmeston Lakes to both participate and spectate.

" The park will cater for all ages and abilities, from compete beginners through to advanced riders.

"Cable wakeboarding is one of the most inclusive watersports and the park will host dedicated sessions for children and ladies’ clubs.

"The country park is home to many and varied forms of wildlife, flora and fauna.

"This has been at the forefront of our minds when developing our plans.

"We have already been working with Natural Resource Wales and are confident that if we continue to follow their guidance as well as that of the council and bodies such as the RSPB and RSPCA, we can ensure the wake park has only a positive impact on the park," he said.

Councillor Gwyn John, cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services said: "We will look long and hard at any plans for Cosmeston to ensure they pose no threat to the wildlife of the park.

"On that note, these proposals will be subject to the utmost scrutiny.

The council’s aim is to broaden Cosmeston Park’s appeal, allowing more people to enjoy what we consider to be one of the most attractive spaces in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“The Vale’s country parks prove popular not only with local residents, but also play an important role in attracting tourists to the Vale.

We believe expanding their appeal can further boost visitor numbers, ensuring the parks’ long-term sustainability while also creating a number of new jobs both in the park and in local facilities such as restaurants."