Public urged to have say on Ocean Lab's future (From Western Telegraph)

Public urged to have say on Ocean Lab's future

2:50pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

People in north Pembrokeshire are being urged to pull together to save Goodwick’s Ocean Lab, as the consultation closing date looms.

In Monday’s county council cabinet meeting, members voted for a review of the Ocean Lab, with a report coming back to cabinet next month.

Members heard that the facility, which boasts a café, tourist information centre, soft play area, cyber café and permanent exhibition by conservation charity Sea Trust, costs the council £73,000 to run.

Despite the council initially saying that the consultation would run for a month, the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, February 20th.

“I would ask if you can encourage as many people as to go online and complete the questionnaire and send it in,” said county councillor Pat Davies.

Her colleague Councillor Gwilym Price pointed out that the café employs up to 12 people in summer and the facility is a draw for both tourists and locals with added events like al fresco brass band performances in the summer.

“It is essential that we retain this facility in Fishguard and Goodwick,” he said. “Everyone in north Pembrokeshire is very concerned about the review going on.”

Their sentiments were supported by Fishguard and Goodwick’s town councillors:

“The Ocean Lab is one of the main community hubs we have in the twin towns.” said Councillor Lorraine Howell. “It would be devastating if we lost it. Everybody should help to try and save it.”

Councillor Mike Mayberry added: “This is something that is very close to a lot of people’s hearts. We need to get as many of these filled in and sent to as many different people as we can."

Copies of the questionnaire are available here: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=101,988,2102&parent_directory_id=646&id=27020&Language=