A Tenby resident has claimed that Tenby’s South Beach ‘Blue Flag’ status could be in danger due to dogs being able to access the area.

In correspondence that came before members of Tenby Town Council at their meeting on Wednesday night, Mr. Dennis Clutton suggested that after being in contact with the Blue Flag Organisation, it was intimated to him that the association had concerns over the matter, and that the South Beach could have its status removed because it does not meet the criteria set down by its regulators.

“It’s clear the South Beach dog problem will exclude it from the Blue Flag status next year,” wrote Mr. Clutton.

“I hope the councils at town and county level, urgently start a consultation to comply with the regulation.

“We’ve all decided we are sick of seeing dozens of dogs running around as if it is a dog’s home, and the county council doing nothing about it!” he continued, stating that last month his daughter witnessed a little girl run to her mother covered in dog faecal, which he said was “totally unacceptable”.

Mr. Clutton continued in his letter to say that his and other families he knew would be writing to the Blue Flag Organisation individually to highlight the non-compliance, and contacting local and national media to draw attention to the problem.

“Let’s hope this kickstarts Pembrokeshire County Council into doing something,” he continued.

“Can you imagine the impact when it is announced that one of Wales’ top beach resorts has lost its Blue Flag status!” added Mr. Clutton.

Due to there being further correspondence on the matter brought to the council chamber, councillors elected to discuss the matter in private.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 4,000 beaches and marinas in 49 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

Beaches are awarded the Blue Flag based on compliance with 33 criteria covering such criteria as - environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management; safety and services.

All Blue Flags are awarded for one season at a time, and if the criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn.

The county council impose beach restrictions on dogs for certain areas of the South Beach and other beaches in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire, between May 1 and September 30, each year, but have come in for criticism from some quarters, who believe that the authority does not enforce the ban rigorously enough, during the summer.