A report which states that that Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been following an out of date code of conduct and that public confidence in the park has been eroded is being considered by the authority today.

The Authority's Investigation and Reputation committee, which was set up to deal with the East Blockhouse issue, met to discuss draft reports and recommendations in its third and final meeting last Monday.

Park officer Gary Meopham and his family bought the Angle site, after the asset management group, of which he was a member, decided not to buy it.

Mr Meopham was given a final written warning following an investigation. The site has now been granted planning permission for holiday units by the Welsh Assembly.

A draft report considered by members on Monday stated: "There is no dispute that instances of gross misconduct occurred in a number of spheres, otherwise a final written warning would not have been issued."

It added: "The behaviour of the officer concerned fell far short of the standard that members of this authority, and the public, have every right to expect."

The report revealed Code of Conduct guidelines which were six years out of date were being used, and that senior officers failed to report questionable behaviour.

It added that an overwhelming majority of members felt that the officer should have been dismissed for his actions.

The report also refers to serious internal tensions, and says criticism of the Park was unprecedented.

It stated: "The organisation's credibility has been eroded to the point where some communities are openly questioning the Authority's fitness for purpose."

Discussing the report on Monday Cllr Mike Williams said: "I find it unforgivable that this Authority has operated with a Code of Conduct that is out of date."

Cllr Robin Evans added: "We have had one bad egg, senior officers will not make the same mistake twice."

The report and recommendations were due to be presented to Authority members for discussion yesterday (Wednesday).

National Park members are working to restore confidence in the Authority following instances of 'gross misconduct', public criticism and controversy.