Swimmers told to avoid beauty spot as 'hidden hazards' revealed by drought and fires

People have been warned to stay away from a popular beauty spot pond used for swimming and other water sports due to "hidden hazards" exposed by reduced water levels.

Keepers Pond in Abergavenny poses "serious safety risks" with levels dangerously low, according to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, also known as the Brecon Beacons.

It said that along with the prolonged dry spell, the water had been used to tackle recent wildfires.

"As the water has receded, previously hidden hazards and unknown objects have been exposed on the pond bed, creating serious safety risks. For your own safety, you must not enter the water under any circumstances," the park authority said in a Facebook post.

The restriction applies to all activities on or in the water, including swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and any other water-based activities.

"We ask that visitors respect the area and do not remove, disturb or interfere with any objects or features revealed by the low water levels," it said.

The beauty spot car park remains open to visitors but "for your own safety", the national park said, "you must not enter the water under any circumstances".

The whole of Wales was placed into drought status last month in response to record-low river levels, dry soils, widespread wildfires and mounting impacts on wildlife, farming and forestry.