FEARS that proposed sand and gravel dredging within miles of the Pembrokeshire coast could prove environmentally damaging are being voiced by councillors. Up to 300,000 tonnes of aggregate a year would be extracted from beneath the sea off the Gower Peninsula if an application by Llanelli Sand Dredging proves successful.

The company has applied to the Crown Estate for a 15-year marine aggregates extraction licence for an area ten miles west of Worms Head.

The most westerly part of the 93 square kilometre extraction area is just 12 miles from the coast at Tenby and Saundersfoot.

Despite this, the views of the town and community council were not originally sought during the current ten-week consultation period on the company's environmental statement and coastal study impact.

These documents have now been sent to Tenby Town Council, which discussed the proposals at last week's meeting.

Councillor Trevor Hallett said he was 'disappointed' that the council had not been on the list of consultees, and pointed out that removal of such a large quantity of aggregate could disturb the ecology of the sea-bed.

The removal of sand would also ultimately affect the beaches, said Councillor Mickey Folland. 'The only beneficiaries in this are the Crown Estates, who will be getting 50p for every tonne of aggregate removed,' he claimed.

Added Councillor Stuart Fecci: 'We should ask for proof beyond doubt that our beaches are not going to end up as rocky wrecks, and seek assurance that the dredging company should fund the replacement of beaches that disappear.'

The amount of aggregate to be removed annually was equivalent to 400 times the volume of the De Valence Pavilion, pointed out deputy mayor, Councillor Andrew Rees.

The council is now to voice its concerns to the National Assembly.