Plans for commercial cockling on one of Saundersfoot's holiday beaches has led to strong opposition from many locals.
A proposal by the South Wales Fisheries Committee to issue a licence for the picking of cockles from the Glen Beach for commercial gain, has caused major concern amongst local businesses and residents.
As previously reported in the Observer, Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club spokesman Mike Tew had brought the matter to many people's attention by writing to the community council and voicing the concerns of many of locals.
Now local resident Tony Edwards has launched a petition against the scheme and has already received a huge amount of support from people in and around the area who are firmly against the issuing of such a licence.
"It is hugely important that local people and businesses do all that they can to prevent commercial cockling from taking place on the beaches of Saundersfoot and I urge anyone against the proposal to sign this petition that has been set up as soon as possible," said Mr. Edwards.
"The possibility of our beaches losing their Blue Flag status is a major threat and the danger is, if the licence application is successful here, this could just be the start of it in Pembrokeshire and places nearby like Tenby and Amroth could also be targeted," he continued.
Many local businesses are concerned about the effect a return to harvesting of cockles from the sands would have on the tourism industry and the safety of visitors.
"I personally know that the very small beds of cockles that are presently at Saundersfoot disappeared for many years, and only in the past five to six months have cockles grown to a pickable size," commented Mr. Edwards.
"This experience over the years proves to me, and others, how fragile the cockle population along this beach is. In fact, it has been the case almost of here today, gone tomorrow, on a number of occasions. Therefore, how can this area sustain any form of cockle commercialisation."
Mr. Edwards has already written to various authorities, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and local MP Nick Ainger, who has backed Mike Tew and the Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club's objections.
Copies of the petition have been distributed to various shops and post offices in the Saundersfoot area and Tony Edwards hopes enough people sign it to try and put a stop to the proposal.
"If investigations by Pembrokeshire County Council prove that the beds are viable and the cockles are edible, then there's every chance that a licence will be issued, so it's of utmost importance that people do all they can now to protect and preserve our beaches for future generations."