ABEREIDDY: Sea defence tourism fears (From Western Telegraph)

ABEREIDDY: Sea defence tourism fears

7:36pm Friday 27th May 2011 in St Davids

THE potential loss of car parking caused by a proposed new sea defence could be a ‘tragedy for tourism’ at Abereiddy.

That was the fear of some people who filled Croesgoch school hall during a public meeting, organised by Pembrokeshire County Council, to discuss the future of the beach’s sea wall on May 17th.

Ian Westley, the council’s director of transport, told the meeting the current wall, built in the 1960s, had reached the end of its useful life.

He said: “We look forward to providing a sustainable solution, what we have is not sustainable, it has been described as an eyesore.”

“The status quo is not an option, something has to be done.”

The current suggestion is to remove the sea wall, and reuse boulders to create a 60m revetment along the southern end of the car park.

But several residents were concerned about the inevitable loss of car parking spaces at the beach, and the impact on tourism.

Dr Mike Walkden, of consultants Royal Haskoning, explained how the beach had changed over the years, problems relating to the failing sea wall, and what could happen in the future.

He said the nearby cottages did not appear to be at risk, but the car park was vulnerable.

Resident Nigel Robinson said: “It is probably the most ugly wall in Pembrokeshire, and the most dangerous. This could make it a safer beach.”

However, Alison Belton, of Pembrokeshire Tourism said: “The loss of car parking spaces is a huge issue.

“We must ensure that future access is there, the Blue Lagoon is iconic.”

One resident suggested that the land behind the current car park could be used to replace spaces lost due to the structure, the land owner Colin Jenkins indicated he would consider the possibility.

He added: “It would be a tragedy for tourism if car parking were to cease at Abereiddy.”

Another resident added: “It is paramount that we keep hold of that car park, can’t we go back to the drawing board? It’s very important for tourism.”

Mr Westley said there was no alternative proposal at present.

“This is what we believe to be the uppermost solution for Abereiddy,” he added.