Amroth slipway lock theft sparks access concerns

Issues have arisen over Amroth slipway again, with the coastal village’s Slipway Association reporting that a lock securing the facility has been stolen, impacting community access - and a member of the committee of the association ‘physically threatened’

In or around July 2004, Pembrokeshire County Council closed the slipway and prohibited all access, even for the launch and recovery of all watercraft; after a number of incidents had occurred involving Personal Water Craft (Jet-skis) and swimmers.

A spokesperson for Amroth Slipway Assocition stated on August 24: “We once again regret to inform you the lock to the slipway at Amroth has been removed unlawfully.

“Could we respectfully remind the community the slipway is the property of Pembrokeshire County Council and if access continues to be abused by rogue members of the community there is a high risk it will be closed indefinitely.

The Association said it campaigned relentlessly 20 years ago to be able to the use the slipway when it was closed to the public last time, with an agreement reached between PCC and the Community to use the slipway on a membership basis via the newly established Amroth Slipway Association.

“Whilst these rogue individuals continue to use the slipway we would invite the local community if they are passing to challenge people using it and ask if they are indeed members of the association,” continued the spokesperson.

“A member of the committee of the association has been physically threatened and full reports regarding this criminal and anti-social behaviour have been made to Dyfed Powys Police.

“The same selfish individuals have been disrespectful to the life guards at the slipway too and such behaviour must not be allowed to become the ‘new norm’ in our friendly community.

“There seems little point locking the slipway at the moment if the lock is just going to be removed with a grinder after hours. They are expensive, over £100 each and this will be the third this year. The association has made full and open disclosure to PCC.

“If the community fails to respect the agreement we had with PCC there is a risk the slipway will be closed to the public forever,” they added.

When asked why a CCTV system hasn’t been introduced, the Association admitted that it is too costly and beyond their current means, but have however, asked Pembrokeshire County Council to consider this.

The Association is run entirely by volunteers, who give their time alongside their own jobs and family commitments.

It says that they are not aware of any PCC policy that would prevent anyone from using the slipway to access the beach with a kayak, as the current agreement relates primarily to vehicles and boats, where appropriate insurance is required.

“We understand that people have genuine questions and concerns about the future of the slipway,” continued the spokesperson.

“We cannot, however, speak for PCC about what action they may take if they cannot be satisfied that users have the necessary insurance,” they added.