Members of the public pinching pebbles and stones from Saundersfoot beach by the ‘bucket load’ - have been asked to consider the seaside village’s sea defences, which are waning.

County councillor for the seaside village’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams said that over the past few months, whilst working on The Strand, he has noticed more and more people trying to take stones from the beach.

Calls continue for the community of Saundersfoot and local authorities to be proactive in protecting parts of the seaside village from future coastal erosion - and the need to protect it’s sea defences.

Saundersfoot Community Council recently hosted a ‘Sustainable Communities’ public meeting in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, with the aim to raise awareness about the challenges the seaside village will face in the future and to consider what actions may be possible to combat rising sea levels.

Cllr Williams and fellow county councillor for the ward Alec Cormack have been in discussions with Angharad Llewelyn, Coastal Rivers & Drainage Manager, to look at another meeting to discuss the rising sea levels and the effect this has on the coastal village.

“Alec and I felt that we needed a small group, initially, to discuss the rising sea levels and how we can work together to try and find solutions locally,” said Cllr Williams.

“It is then hoped to expand this further to all interested parties so that everyone can be involved if they so wish,” he continued.

“One example of this is the pebbles on Saundersfoot beach. They are not native to this coastline and have been brought in over the years to protect the various properties and businesses on the Strand.”

“South Pembrokeshire district council distributed the stones to protect the properties. The pebbles are there as a sea defence for the properties on the Strand.

“This bank now forms an essential part of the sea defences for properties along the beach. Removal of stones and pebbles off the beach is not permitted,” added Cllr Williams.

A meeting will be taking place on Monday, September 16, with Cllr Williams stating that he would share ‘findings and thoughts’ in a future report.