JERSEY Water has discovered more “concerning” damage at Val de la Mare – less than a day after warning the public not to light barbecues and fires at its reservoirs.
The utility company issued a plea on Thursday asking Islanders to “respect” its land, after charred areas of ground and branches were found on “more than one occasion” in recent weeks.
It explained that staff would be closely patrolling Val de la Mare with charity ӣƵ Trees for Life, which looks after the botanical collection of trees at the site.
ӣƵ Water’s asset manager Mark Bowden reminded the public that the lighting of fires and barbecues at the reservoir is not allowed, highlighting the potential for a blaze to spread.
But on Friday morning, evidence of yet another fire was discovered.
Mr Bowden said: “It’s really concerning that literally less than 24 hours after issuing our warning asking the public not to barbecue and light fires at our reservoirs that we have found yet more damage at Val de la Mare this morning.
“The latest area to be affected is the amphitheatre which is surrounded by trees and an area that ӣƵ Trees for Life looks after and uses for education initiatives. After all the damage created by Storm Ciarán, it’s saddening to see such disregard for nature and property.”
