CALLS to look at providing safety netting at Pembroke’s Mill Pond bridge, following three deaths in the surrounding area in last eight months, were rejected by Pembroke town councillors.

On July 27, 18-year-old Robert Mansfield died in the early hours after entering the water following his birthday celebrations the previous day.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Concerns about safety at the Mill Pond have previously been raised following the death of Wayne Anthony Young on New Year’s Day.

On April 16, 57-year-old John William Lyall from Pembroke Dock also died there.

Speaking at the August meeting of the town council, Councillor Linda Brown told fellow councillors she had contacted a specialist safety netting company following the recent death of Mr Mansfield.

“They would actually be fairly unobtrusive, they would stretch from pavement level out over the water, they could prevent people falling or jumping into the water and would prevent people throwing things in like kiddies’ bikes and traffic cones into the water.

“I’ve done this specifically because we’ve had the unfortunate incidents, and also for the people sitting on there who may fall in.

“Whether these people have been doing something stupid before they ended up in the water or not, they’ve paid the ultimate price.”

Members heard the “absolute maximum” costs would be £1,305 per section, with an estimated 20 required.

Councillor Clive Collins said: “I’m all for safety if we can do something sensible but when you look at how much water is around Pembroke; where do we start and where do we stop? If we tried to do all that it is – beyond question – beyond our means.”

Councillor Linda Asman felt an area of greater concern was Castle Pond, and its deteriorating walkway, rather than Mill Pond.

Cllr Brown call for further investigation of costings was defeated by five votes to seven.