Proposals for a raised footpath around the coastline of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock have been unveiled.

It is hoped the planned walkway could be disabled and cyclist friendly and could feature bird hides, interpretive panels and picnic tables.

The plan will also bring together schemes to provide walkways and picnic sites on South Pembrokeshire Golf Club and a scheme to enhance the waterway.

The route stretching, around the coastline from Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, could then link up with the National Trail.

The area is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The scheme will focus on the northern shoreline as the southern end is more sensitive.

Alex Allison, of Pembrokeshire County Councils regeneration unit, said: The raised walkway will protect the shoreline from erosion and will offers walkers the best views of the shoreline.

Community development officer, Peter Howe said: What is being proposed at the minute by several groups is a series of bird hides and interpretive panels. The area is a SSSI and SAC so there is a lot of work to be done and the consultation process will be huge. We do know there are many bird groups locally who would like to use the path and, more than anything, we hope it will encourage tourism to the area.

Pembrokeshire County Council hopes a group of partners including the Wales Tourist Board, the Welsh Development Agency, community groups, wildlife and bird and conservation groups will embrace the plan.

It is hoped the scheme could attract European funding and could even reap the benefits of the proposed Pembroke by-pass, which the National Assembly hopes will help to regenerate the town.

It is hoped a partnership will be formed which will take the project forward. Pembroke Dock Town Council has already backed the plan and Pembroke town councillors voiced their support at a meeting last week.