NINETY per cent of people living on Milford Haven's Mount Estate are unemployed and 80 per cent are dependent on benefits, startling new figures show.

Less than five per cent of residents are in full-time employment and three quarters of 16-25 year-olds are unemployed and claim benefits, according to a survey recently carried out by members of the Mount Community Association (MCA).

However, Colin Robbins, MCA project manager, said the figures did not reflect the number of people from the Mount who have been helped back to work.

He said: "I was disappointed because we have worked very hard over the last four years and I know we have had tremendous success but the figures don't truly reflect that.

"We have a constant turnover of tenants here, a third of our population is transient because the Mount lends itself as somewhere for people to go when they need support. Then when they become employed and build their confidence and self-esteem, they move on and their homes are filled with more people who need help. But that does not help us develop a strong, sustainable community."

The survey, which was carried out as part of a Tenant Empowerment Grant, also revealed 60 per cent of parents did not think their children were safe playing on the estate because of social problems like bullying, fighting, traffic and drink and drugs.

However, Inspector Nigel Hayes of Milford police station was pleased that there was no significant fear of crime.

He said: "There will always be problems but now we have a true reflection of where to concentrate our time and efforts. We will continue to work closely with the Mount community and I am certain that we will achieve success together."

While rubbish was the main concern of residents, the youngsters on the estate said they would like to see skateboard facilities, a youth club, BMX facilities and a sports area.

Colin added: "This report is excellent and was badly needed.

"The community is dedicated to improving these things and the report highlights the perspective of people in the estate and the MCA will take that on board and work to address the issues raised within the report."