Pembrokeshire Autograss Club have responded to concerns from locals and councillors in St. Florence who feel that plans to hold a series of autograss races in the village will generate noise pollution and cause road safety issues.

An application submitted by Pembrokeshire Autograss Association, for the change of use of land south of New Inn Farm, St Florence, to form an autograss race track, associated engineering operation and construct a safety barrier, was recently opposed by members of St. Florence Community Council when they discussed the matter at an extraordinary meeting, at which local residents also vented their objections to the application.

However, vice-chairman of the Pembrokeshire Autograss Club, Bryan Neale, said that the club had not had any problems holding races in the area over the years, and they would adhere to strict rules regarding the noise of vehicles taking part in any events.

"Autograss racing has been held in and around St. Florence for over 40 years, with tracks at Park House Hotel (New Hedges), behind the old Snooty Fox and two other fields on Devonshire Drive, and at New Inn Farm, St. Florence, for many years," commented Mr. Neale, who pointed out that previously, the 1980 National Championships had been held on the very field in question.

"Our old field in Lamphey, which we used for over 10 years, is only four miles by road and much less in a straight line from St. Florence, and caused no problems with noise or traffic congestion," he continued.

"We at Pembrokeshire Autograss Club are members of the National Autograss Sport Association and have to abide with their strict rules.

"We have to erect a safety fence for the safety of members of the public and our own members who attend our meetings.

"The association's rules regarding the noise of our vehicles are strict and have to be adhered to, while all vehicles must have a full exhaust and silencer system pointing in a downward direction and be checked at each meeting with a calibrated noise meter to a maximum permitted noise level of 102 decibels. Any race car over this limit will not be allowed to race."

Mr. Neale said that the association had spoken with the Highways Authority at length regarding access to the field and it had been agreed that extra signage would be provided on the day of the race meeting, to warn traffic well in advance of the junction.

He explained that race meetings would not be held through the six-week school summer holidays nor if the weather was very wet.

There are only six race meetings per year scheduled, mostly for local club members, with a maximum of 50 to 60 cars, not the 250 stated.

"In the past, our members have had great sucess around the country, winning many British championships and flying the flag for Pembrokeshire," remarked Mr. Neale.

"Autograss racing is a family sport and great fun, which gives our youngsters something to do with their spare time," he added.