FURTHER concerns have been raised about plans to lay a gas pipeline across Pembrokeshire.

The Transco pipeline will supply gas from the two LNG plants in Milford Haven, across the county, through Carmarthenshire and Powys and to its destination in Gloucestershire.

Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has called on the Welsh Assembly to reveal what representations it has made with Transco on matters such as public safety, the disruption of the tourist trade, environmental concerns, the inconvenience caused during construction and the lack of public consultation.

In a letter to minister for economic development and transport, Andrew Davies, Mr Bourne said: "There is growing concern in my constituency about the safety of this project and also the disruption to the tourist industry and other inconvenience created during its construction.

"I understand Transco has the power to make compulsory purchases of land the pipeline will pass under, and this has added to a feeling of unease about the lack of public consultation."

In answer to the minister's concerns, a Welsh Assembly spokesperson, said: "The Welsh Assembly Government welcomes the fact that Transco is consulting widely on this project and preparing a detailed environmental impact assessment on it.

"LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) projects, which the gas pipeline supports, will play an increasingly important part in UK and Welsh clean energy policy and bring significant economic benefits to Wales, particularly West Wales where there is currently a shortage of mains gas supply."