The way that Pembrokeshire deals with future flooding and the risk of coastal erosion for seaside villages was on the agenda at a recent meeting in Saundersfoot - with important decisions needing to be made over a relativity short period of time to address concerns on the impact of climate change.
Saundersfoot Community Council recently arranged a meeting at the Regency Hall with representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council to discuss the sustainable Coastal Communities.
The meeting was attended by Senior Pembrokeshire County Council Officers; the Highways engineer as well as the Local Authority’s Coastal and Rivers engineer Angharad Llewelyn; and Greg Guthrie of Sustainable Coastal Communities who informed community councillors on the impact of climate change on Saundersfoot village.
County councillor for the village’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams who was in attendance, said: “A significant amount of work has been undertaken looking at the Pembrokeshire Coast, not least through the department of the Shoreline Management plans.
“Maintaining coastal defences and sustaining communities remains a priority but in some areas this will become an increasing challenge.
“In key areas, important decisions will need to be made over a relativity short period that could be up to 20 years. Whereas, in some areas, such as Saundersfoot, these issues will emerge over a far longer period of time.”
At the meeting, it was stated that the way Pembrokeshire deals with these issues goes well beyond the more traditional approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management.
“Indeed, how we manage and adapt to increasing risk will ultimately impact on the confidence in an area, influencing local and individual decisions, made with respect to future investment and may, in a broader sense, impact on the character, values and use of an area,” continued Cllr Williams.
“This is where it becomes increasingly important to involve communities in looking beyond the here and now.
“Nationally there is a much greater awareness for this need for community engagement and Pembrokeshire are keen to demonstrate leadership in this.
“As an initial step in the process, there is the need to clearly explain the challenges, raise awarenessm but, critically Pembrokeshire Council want to move beyond this to involve communities in the local decision making process, accepting that there remain uncertainties as to how this will evolve.
“After the meeting seminar, it was felt by everyone in the room that we should hold a public meeting for the local residents of Saundersfoot. This would be a great opportunity to engage the community with this process.
“There are concerns regarding timescales and we would be better off taking a broader and more comprehensive perspective that could be of real benefit to local coastal communities and individuals in Saundersfoot.
“This matter is now with Saundersfoot Community Council and Councillor Cormack I will be liaising with them regarding an open meeting for all concerned residents who would like an update,” he added.
Following the meeting, chair of Saundersfoot Community Council Cllrr Colin Evans said: “I will be recommending a public meeting to inform our community, especially those who live on The Strand.
“Greg Guthrie will conduct a seminar to inform the village of the increase of sea levels and the impact on the village.”