Pebble bank consultation's coming to an end

It has been published online following a public consultation over the increasing vulnerability of the village's pebble bank.

The pebbles have a history of collapsing in severe weather, resulting in the closure of the A487 and flooding to the local businesses, properties and the low lying valley behind.

The county council has for the past 20 years responded to such breaches by removing the pebbles from the road and rebuilding the bank to its original profile. But a recent report said while the rebuilding addressed the immediate problem, the standard of the pebble bank continues to deteriorate, and it is anticipated that it will become unsustainable in the next 10-20 years.

The Adaption Plan outlines six actions the council plans to take. They include identifying properties at risk of flooding, ensuring the owners are aware of the issues facing them and preparing a Community Flood Risk Plan.

Improvements are planned for the diversion route, which motorists have to take when the road at Newgale is closed. It starts in Roch and finishes in Pen y Cwm when travelling from Haverfordwest.

The current diversion is a single track road which is only capable of carrying a few hundred vehicles a day. When the A487 is closed, a significant proportion of the 4,000 vehicles, including HGVs, which would usually pass through Newgale, will attempt to use the diversion. The council will create more passing places and improve signage to stop HGVs from using the route.

The ongoing management of the pebble bank will also continue, as will community engagement, alongside an analysis of the future transport needs of the area.

The Newgale Adaption Plan can be viewed at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay The closing date for responses is Friday, May 22. Please email your comments to emyr.williams@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or in writing to Emyr Williams, Assistant Engineer, Pembrokeshire County Council, 3C County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.