Simon Hart MP has put out an appeal to try to prevent the closure of public footpaths in Pembroke Dock.

He was contacted by residents who are upset that Pembrokeshire County Council may try to seal off footpaths through Pembroke Ferry woods surrounding the former Princes Trust Watersports Centre.

“I can appreciate that the council wants to sell off the centre after the Princes Trust said it cost too much to keep running,” he explained.

“But the sales details make no mention of the network of footpaths that run around the building and which have been used by generations of local dog walkers. I am worried that the council is hoping to declare them as closed permissive paths.

“If six or more people can give evidence that they have used the paths for more than 20 years then it makes it difficult for the council to seal them off. A formal application has already been made under Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to keep the paths open and this will now be flagged up when any searches are made by potential buyers.

“However, the more evidence that can be collected then the stronger the case will be for keeping the footpaths open.”

Mr. Hart has now put out an appeal on Facebook to track down other long-term users of the path.

• If you have knowledge of the paths through Pembroke Ferry woods surrounding the former watersports centre, then please email [email protected]