An information exhibition took place on Wednesday at New Hedges Village Hall for people in the area to find out the facts about proposals for a new civic amenity and recycling centre which would serve the south-east of Pembrokeshire.

Following a rigorous assessment of possible sites across the south east of the county, a site along the A478 near New Hedges has been identified as the most appropriate and is set to improve recycling rates in the area, making it easier for people to dispose of and recycle their everyday waste.

The exhibition which took place offered an opportunity for members of the public, of which around 100 attended, to view plans and photographs of the site before a planning proposal is submitted. Those who attended also had the opportunity to speak to representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council and ask any questions they might have about the proposals.

Clr. Ken Rowlands, cabinet member for environmental and regulatory services at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "We are really pleased that so many members of the community attended the event to find out more about the plans and talked to us about their views. We have already made changes to the plans based on feedback we have previously received, and will now take all of this more recent feedback into account before the proposals are submitted for planning.

"We hope that we were able to reassure those who attended that very careful consideration has been put into the proposed site plan to ensure that the facility will have minimal impact on the neighbouring community. Factors such as noise, smell, traffic and landscape have all been considered in full, and detailed assessments have been carried out by experts in these fields to ensure that any disruption will be absolutely minimal."

The proposed new centre is set to boost recycling rates in the area by being easier for the public and businesses to access.

Clr. Rowlands continues: "The current civic amenity site at The Salterns, Tenby, is small, cramped and difficult to access, and is only operating at around 60 per cent for recycling - the worst-performing site in the county. We needed to find a suitable alternative which will improve recycling facilities and be easier for the public to access.

"Following a detailed assessment, the site near New Hedges has been identified as the most suitable in the area for this facility due to its size and accessibility, and will be put forward for planning. We are confident that recycling rates will rise to around 70 per cent - in line with other facilities of this kind in the county."

• The proposal is a highly contentious one, however, as highlighted by several reports in previous issues and a number of letters received this week (see page 16). The main objections concern the neighbouring Brooklands Nursing Home and several placard waving members of staff and family of residents turned up at the exhibition at New Hedges to voice their protest at the plan.