Pembrokeshire family firms left out of pocket by an Italian subcontractor on the Pembroke Power Station build are facing an ongoing struggle to get paid, says local MP Simon Hart.

Mr. Hart was contacted by a number of small firms after SOMi Impiante, one of the subcontractors on the project, left the site following a legal dispute.

Mr. Hart recently met bosses from RWE npower - the owners of the power station - and Alstom the company that is building the plant. Alstom awarded SOMI a mechanical subcontract at the project and SOMI then hired in local firms to provide goods and services.

"The meeting was constructive and helpful, although both firms explained that for legal reasons they cannot step into a contractual dispute between Pembrokeshire companies and Somi," explained Mr. Hart.

"I had a number of small family firms contact me to say they had not been paid by SOMI - some bills are for a few thousand, but many are for a great deal more."

He has been pressing RWE npower and Alstom to ensure that these local firms are not left out of pocket following the dispute. However, Somi's UK division was dissolved in 2011 and the courts have now appointed a liquidator to deal with those owed money by the firm.

"Smaller creditors such as the Pembrokeshire firms should not give up as I understand that they may have a greater chance of recovering at least some of their money than those firms that are owed millions," he added.

"I have now written to all the firms that contacted me to outline the position and I sincerely hope that they will receive some payment for the services they provided in good faith."