Residents from South East Pembrokeshire turned out in force to discuss opportunites for long-term sustainable approaches to local regeneration.

'Communities as the Hub of Rural Life', a project facilitated by PLANED, has led to the development of Saundersfoot and Kilgetty as a Hub Area.

Katherine Jones, PLANED's community link officer, said over 50 residents attended the meeting at Saundersfoot.

There were also representatives from PLANED, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, PACTO, Pembrokeshire College and the West Wales Eco Centre.

"Positive discussions took place around communities working collaboratively and the next steps of action were identified,' said Katherine.

The Saundersfoot and Kilgetty Hub Area incorporates Amroth, Begelly, Broadmoor, Cold Inn, Cresselly, Cresswell Quay, East Williamston, Jeffreyston, Kilgetty, Llanteg, Loveston, Pleasant Valley, Pentlepoir, Reynalton, Sardis, Saundersfoot, Stepaside, Summerhill, Thomas Chapel, Wiseman's Bridge, Wooden and Yerbeston.

"Our meeting at Saundersfoot was very positive because common ground opportunities which the whole area can benefit from were identified and discussed, including industrial heritage, community facilities, communication, renewable energy and tourism opportunities,' said Katherine.

"Interest was identified in establishing working groups to build on this.'

"The initiative aims to support the development of key communities as hubs," she added.

"It is about developing the hubs as both the heart of the local area through social and cultural initiatives and the pulse by focusing on economic and environmental issues, thus assisting a long-term sustainable approach to local regeneration. It supports very close collaboration with town and community councils, community associations and forums, local groups, as well as key agencies and organisations.'

The 'Communities as the Hub of Rural Life' project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 and also from the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.