A PUBLIC meeting is going to be held next week to discuss the future of the pebble bank at Newgale.

The sea defence is a great example of a natural barrier which was formed when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age, but a number of breaches in recent years have left many questioning its effectiveness.

The severe storms of January and February 2014 proved too tough a test for the pebbles, with a combination of howling winds and high tides collapsing parts of the bank. The road was left impassable for days, with motorists having to endure lengthy diversions.

On February 1 2014, 10 passengers had to be rescued from a Richard Brothers service bus after it was hit by a huge wave and became stranded in the campsite. Luckily nobody was hurt.

Flooding has also been a major issue, with local businesses at The Duke of Edinburgh, Newsurf and the Sands Café all badly affected, and having to close for several weeks.

On February 19 2014 the Prime Minister David Cameron made a flying visit to Newgale, calling in at The Duke of Edinburgh to survey the devastation for himself. Speaking during his visit, Mr Cameron said: “We shouldn’t feel powerless in the face of these extreme weather events.

“I think we should look at our flood defences and work out how to make them more robust.”

The meeting at Solva Memorial Hall on Wednesday, February 18 will discuss the stability of the pebble bank and the consequences of any future failure.

Speaking at the meeting will be Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Highways and Construction, Darren Thomas and assistant engineer, Emyr Williams. The meeting starts at 7pm and everyone is welcome.