ACCESS to what was once one of Milford Haven’s best-loved footpaths may soon be denied, because of health and safety concerns.

Pembrokeshire County Council is looking to stop walkers accessing part of Hakin Point footpath, which runs between Pointfields and Hakin Point, because of the “likelihood of danger” due to a landslip.

Anyone wanting to have their say on the proposals has until Friday, December 5, to do so.

Among those disappointed at the plans is Stephanie McGrath, of Hakin.

“I have not seen any advertisement of this, other than the notices pinned to the fence at either end of the closure,” she said.

“As the path has become a dead end and no longer the popular and very convenient usable thoroughfare, few people will see this notice.”

She added: “The path was a popular walkway, which has been in use for as long as anyone living can remember and long before that!

“This path should be part of the Pembrokeshire National Park Coastal Pathway and the Welsh Coastal Pathway.”

And at a meeting of Milford Haven Town council on Monday, Cllr Rhys Sinnett said he was saddened that an alternative to closure had been found.

“This has been enjoyed by thousands of people over the years,” he said.

Mayor Eric Harries shared his view, adding that he remembered “scampering up it as a child”.

But Cllr Stephen Joseph said a way to save the footpath may be in the pipeline.

He said a deal was currently ‘on the table’ between Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Water, over how to finance repairs to the path, and keep it open to the public.

All objections must be made in writing, specifying the reasons and should be sent to Mr Matt Cloud, Pembrokeshire County Council, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.

Only correspondence including a full name and address will be considered.