A LOCAL landmark has been given listed status.

Cadw announced today – Wednesday, November 2 – that Llyn y Fan Fach reservoir dam and elements of the water supply network at Llanddeusant has been given a Grade II listed status.

The listing is to acknowledge the architectural and historical significance of the landmark. It had a vital role during the First World War as conscientious objectors carried out back-breaking labour at the reservoir to supply more water across Carmarthenshire.

Why is the reservoir so important?

The Llyn y Fan Fach Lake has been nestled on the mountainside at Llanddeusant for centuries – being the home of the legend of the Lady of the Lake – and in the 19th century, Llanelli needed more water as the town’s tinplate industry was booming, leading to more people and therefore more need for water.

The lake was chosen to be the new water supply and in 1912, ground was broken for 175 Irishmen to work on a series of engineering works to create the dam.

The work involved transforming the lake into a reservoir and laying 25-mile pipes to carry water to Llanon and Llanelli, however, the workforce found less gruelling labour elsewhere and then the First World War began.

Llanelli Council tried to secure prisoners of war to complete the engineering works but were unsuccessful.

In 1916, the plans were given a boost as hundreds of conscientious objectors moved to Llanddeusant – under the Military Service Act of 1916, anyone who was conscripted but refused to sign their papers or wear their military uniforms had to carry out civilian works in camps around the UK.

The men in Llanddeusant mainly came from north-west England and the Midlands and were tasked with finishing what the Irishmen started.

It is said the conditions were incredibly challenging and the laborers were forced to complete the groundworks in harsh weather and to work long hours in an isolated environment.

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Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said of the listing: “Listing Llyn y Fan Fach will ensure that its historic legacy will be kept alive and remembered for many generations to come, in Wales and beyond.

“The reservoir is an unusual and rare example of the wider contribution made by the objectors on nationally important, but not war-related work. We’re proud that we will now be able to protect Llyn y Fan Fach and continue to share its story.”

Dawn Bowden MS, deputy minister for arts and sport and chief whip, said: “This site is of Wales UK-wide significance, so I’m delighted with the news of its listing – which works to highlight its special qualities while protecting it for the benefit of future generations.

“This site helps to paint an interesting picture of the lives and experiences of conscientious objectors during the First World War. The listing of this site will ensure stories like this aren’t forgotten – forever feeding into the rich heritage landscape of Wales.”