Fears that proposals by the National Trust could lead to the closure of the road through to Freshwater West beach have led to campaigners launching an online petition against the plans

According to the organisers responsible for the petition, which has gained over a 1,000 supporters since being set up, the National Trust have proposed plans to close the main road through to the beach, with the intention to open a new single access road which leads to a car park, for which a parking fee of £5 to use the facility will be charged.

“Many people from all over the country enjoy this beautiful scenery from their cars, including many disabled, the National Trust have no real need to do this as we all respect the area,” the petition explains.

“This is just another way for them to suck money from nature lovers. We ask Pembrokeshire County Council to refuse this planning application and listen to the people who live in this beautiful county,” it adds.

Local campaigner Ian Campbell has also stated on the ‘Love it or lose it’ website under a campaign for the ‘protection or rural Wales - Pembrokeshire’, that local councils have not been consulted on the proposals and he fears that a “magnificent experience” will be lost if the plans are passed.

“The National Trust will soon submit an application to Pembrokeshire County Council to close the B4139 at the turn off from the road to Angle to Castlemartin,” he stated.

“A new road will be built past Starman’s Hall to a car park at the beach, and the National Trust will then charge everyone £5 per visit, with only foot access to the entire beach and burrows.

“Visitors can now park to enjoy the view frequently and they cannot get out of their cars when the weather is so extreme.

“The remaining stretch of the Pembrokeshire coast with free access is soon to be lost to those who can afford to pay!” he added.

Details of the online petition can be found at www.change.org

A spokesperson for the National Trust though has reassured the public that the organisation has no intentions or authority whatsoever to close the road in question, or introduce further parking charges, and the claims have no basis.

“The road is not owned by the Trust and is a public highway, it is therefore the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council. This claim has absolutely no basis in fact,” said Mike Greenslade, manager of the Trust’s Stackpole Estate

“The National Trust has applied for planning permission to redevelop Gupton Farm, which has recently been returned to our care from tenancy.

“The redevelopment plans are available for public viewing on the internet and we have consulted widely with national conservation experts and the local community to achieve the absolute best for this remarkable location.

“Furthermore, the Trust has no plans to charge for parking, either at the farm or the existing sea front car park which is actively managed by the Trust.

“Again, these claims have no basis in fact. The Trust has recently invested in the area including the construction of a bird hide on the Corse and the opening of public access paths, activities which support a core part of the Trus’’s ethos of access for all,” he added.