A STATE OF THE ART equestrian centre, incorporating an equine hospital, planned by a local veterinary practice at the County Showground at Withybush, will now be built elsewhere.

The Fenton Veterinary Practice at Portfield, Haverfordwest, which has had a long association with the County Show, had reached an advanced planning stage in what would have been a key development in the three-day show.

But, during recent planning discussions with Pembrokeshire County Council, forecasts of increased aircraft noise with the development of the airport have caused the vets to pull out rather than risk major investment in a project which might soon become untenable because of noise pollution.

Both Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society general manager Malcolm Crossman and senior vet Richard Davies have expressed keen disappointment that the project is being abandoned.

"With the possibility of noise pollution on the forecast scale and the prospect of military helicopters, such as Chinooks, refuelling at Withybush, we feel we must abandon our original plan and look for a quiet site elsewhere. Sudden loud aircraft noises are not compatible with an equine hospital," said Mr Davies.

"It is a big disappointment because we have spent money getting to the current stage and because we have had such a close association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society."

Said Mr Crossman: "We are very disappointed because such a centre would have been a flagship development and a great asset to the County Show."