Sir, I can assure T. and J. Fahey (Observer, July 13) that dogs or dog bans have absolutely nothing to do with the difference in prosperity of the villages of Amroth and Saundersfoot. Saundersfoot has a rich industrial heritage. The harbour, constructed in a natural bay at the foot of the cliffs, was built to serve the coal industry when coal was brought by railway from all the local mines for export. Today it is used mainly by the fishing industry and sailing boats etc., tourism having taken over from coal. Amroth has never had that industrial background, although coal and iron ore were mined until the late 1800s from the area known as the Patches. It does, however, have a long safe stretch of beach where it is possible to walk with one's dog from the western end all the way to Saundersfoot as far as the Blue Flag area there. From the eastern end you can walk to Telpyn again with no dog ban. Incidentally, Amroth, as well as Saundersfoot, has been awarded Blue Flag status, one condition of which is that no dogs are allowed on the designated area of beach. To the north of Amroth is National Trust land and the lovely Colby Gardens; well worth a visit. There are several very good books available about the local history of the whole area. It seems a shame that someone who spends six weeks of every year here knows so little of our history and what has made local villages what they are. It is as unfair to compare Amroth with Saundersfoot as it is to compare Cwmbran with Cardiff. Marilyn Davies (Mrs.),
Greenfields, Valley Road, Saundersfoot.