National Park planners are reminding property owners of the importance of complying with planning law, after a Saundersfoot man was ordered to pay almost £1,500 in fines and costs.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday, Edward Thomas Price, of 4/5 Brewery Terrace, Saundersfoot, was found guilty of failing to comply with two 'Planning Notices' served on him to improve the condition and appearance of two properties he owns in the village.

The notices related to the lock-up shop adjacent to (and independent from) the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, and a bungalow at Sunnyside, Rushey Lake, Saundersfoot.

The condition of both properties had caused concern to the local community, the community council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for some time.

Mr. Price was fined £350 on each count, with £770 costs, and was ordered to provide an undertaking that the works required by the National Park Authority to improve the properties would be carried out without further delay.

A spokesman for the National Park Authority said: "It is not acceptable for property owners to allow their properties to deteriorate to such a condition that they adversely affect the appearance and character of the surrounding area, to the detriment of people who live and work there.

"The authority will not hesitate to take legal action to secure the renovation and improvement of such properties."

The National Park Authority's policy on planning enforcement and compliance is available on its website at http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.