WORK is ongoing on a scheme to re-open a coastal link road affected by a landslip near Little Haven.

The landslip occurred at Settlands Hill, between Little Haven and Broad Haven, during the Christmas holiday period.

Pembrokeshire County Council said positive dialogue has been taking place in respect of land purchase and, subject to the conclusion of the discussions, a scheme is ready to be built.

In the meantime, issues caused by extra traffic on the diversion route are being raised as a concern.

“The closure of the Settlands road has obviously caused some additional traffic to redistribute to the Walton Hill and surrounding road network, although the Hill is otherwise unaltered, and has always experienced times of more intense and conflicting traffic,” said Darren Thomas, Head of Highways and Construction.

“Traffic lights have been mentioned as a possible idea by some, but have not been progressed to date. Lights would have to be in place 24 hours a day, even at quieter times when they would inconvenience all users, as well as adding to costs.

“They could also cause a backlog of traffic in the centre of Little Haven itself because of the position of the lights at the bottom of the hill.

“A temporary one-way diversion has also been suggested as an option, but it is felt this would also cause considerable inconvenience, given the Settlands issue is envisaged to be a temporary situation.”

The council said it is keeping the traffic issue under regular review, and is closely monitoring progress on land purchase.

Pending progress on the latter, officers will discuss further with the local member and community representatives the ongoing impact of traffic, and cost effective and practical measures that may improve this.