Plans to promote commercial cockling on a Saundersfoot beach have caused outrage amongst local anglers.
Saundersfoot Community Council revealed that the cockle bed on the Glen Beach was to be environmentally assessed, with plans for commercial cockling to be considered, if the results were favourable.
The South Wales Sea Fisheries have already indicated their intentions to issue licences for the harvesting of cockles from the sands.
However, members of Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club have unanimously objected to the proposal and written to the community council voicing their concerns.
Local MP Mr. Nick Ainger has responded by backing the anglers and has stated his objections to the Sea Fisheries, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
"One of our main objections is that the cockle beds are an integral part of the delicate food chain and should not be devastated for limited commercial gain," said Angling Club spokesman, Mr. Mike Tew.
"Also, any safety net provided by licence control would be non-existent, as the necessary funds needed to police the activities at all times would not be available," he continued.
Strong opposition in the area is mounting as locals feel that commercial cockling would seriously affect the tourism trade and the safety of visitors on and around the beach.
"Any interfering with our beautiful beaches can only cause harm to the tourism industry and be of threat to the Blue Flag status of the beaches," remarked Mr. Tew.