Pembrokeshire County Council doesn’t have the “funds or foresight” to tackle issues facing Tenby harbour - were the damning views shared by one ‘boatman’, as concerns continue to mount over high sandbanks making the world famous picturesque part of the jewel in the crown of the county ‘unworkable’.

Tenby’s county councillor for Tenby’s North Ward Cllr Michael Williams has long voiced his concerns to the local authority, recently stating: “There is considerable concern being expressed by experienced harbour users that is is becoming unviable at certain times, and the situation in the Aral sea comes to mind!”

Dredging is due to take place again this month, which sees sand removed from the mouth of the harbour and deposited at the north end of the beach, with the harbourmaster Chris Salisbury urging members of the public: “Please be aware of heavy moving machinery on the beach from Monday, March 20 to 23.

“We ask that the public please keep clear of the operating area and that dogs are kept on the lead during this time.”

However, the operation is clearly seen as just a temporary fix, with the seaside town’s Mayor, and county councillor for the South Ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall telling PCC’s assistant chief executive Richard Brown last month that dredging of the area was “no more than a sticking plaster - and not a very good sticking plaster at that!”

Tenby Civic Society’s Harry Gardiner took to Facebook last week to share photographs taken on the day clearly showing up the size of sandbanks blocking use of the harbour.

“It needs major action. National Parks and Pembrokeshire County Council need to keep Tenby’s harbour working!” he said, stating that the dredge wasn’t enough, as the sand seemed to be getting higher each year.

Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew member Ben James also shared aerial pics taken this month showing up the siltation on the harbour seabed after the tide had gone out.

Town councillor Duncan Whitehurst agreed that a dredge was needed ‘urgently’ to ensure that Tenby retains a proper working harbour.

On a visit to Tenby on St David’s Day, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Chief Executive, Will Bramble visited the harbour to meet with staff it is understood, however PCC have remained tight-lipped over the talks.

One harbour worker stated on social media recently that Pembrokeshire County Council didn’t have “the will, the funds, the foresight or the right people to tackle the issue!”

“Unfortunately the harbour will become unusable on neap tides if the bank continues to grow. It’s already dangerous to get in or out on the smaller tides, especially if there is an easterly wind,” they remarked.

“The current practice of using tractors and diggers for the amount of time and the amount of sand they can move, has passed its sell by date. Its a bank on top of a bank on top of a bank.

“Unfortunately it will take an accident, or numerous complaints around loss of earnings before the council take note and do something to tackle the issue.

“For the first time I can remember the harbour was unworkable last week for at least three days, due to the bank and fresh easterly winds.

“The Caldey mail boat couldn’t get out, one fishing boat was unable to get off his moorings and didn’t even float for two days, and I was unable to get back to my inner mooring on two days. Its not just the visible bank, but the actual level of sand in and around the harbour.

“Tractors are coming this month to take some sand away from the harbour and move it across the North Beach. But they’re only allowed to move a certain amount of sand from certain areas.

“Seems it could be a pointless exercise this year and money spent on the wrong option. Time and weather will tell I suppose,” they added.