Consultations taking place over Saundersfoot schemes, has raised concerns that ‘vital’ parking spaces could be removed to the detriment of the seaside village.

County councillor Chris Williams said that he attended a meeting last month to discuss Pembrokeshire County Council’s continuation of the Active Travel scheme for the village.

Further phased plans will include the creation of ‘Shared Use Paths’ for pedestrians and cyclists along with traffic calming measures, crossing points and widened footways to improve routes from the Harbour, the A478 and Coppet Hall Beach.

“Current works are now finished and engineers are completing licences and tasks to ensure the contractor is ready to return to link the village to Saundersfoot railway station,” explained Cllr Williams.

“We also discussed potential plans for the centre of the village, with several design being developed. These include options for Cambrian Terrace, Brewery Terrace, Stammers Road, Sandy Hill Road, access from Frances Road to Coppet Hall and the ‘active travel’ link connections to Saundersfoot CP School.

“In brief – there has been a thought process by PCC to introduce café culture on Cambrian Terrace. This would also include widening the pavement to include access for bikes.

“There would also be planting of small trees in large pots and this scheme would be in place all year round. The plan would be to remove all the parking on Cambrian Terrace and introduce a taxi rank from its current location.

“While I agree that this will be aesthetically pleasing, I am struggling with the removal of seven car parking spaces that are vital in the heart of the village and any displacement plans, must support much needed parking,” continued Cllr Williams.

Cllr Williams said that another proposal is to remove the current zebra crossing on Brewery Terrace and centralise this in the heart of the village.

“This would be a four way crossing point directly opposite the Saundersfoot Harbour entrance and the proposed central crossing slightly raised.

“I definitely support a central crossing point as I feel this would be a lot safer and this is where the majority of people cross now. If the zebra crossing is moved, potentially this could create extra parking on Brewery Terrace.

“I have also raised issues surrounding the current loading bay on Brewery Terrace and also insufficient short term parking for residents shopping in the village. I feel that there should be a designated short term bay, for those who wish to pick up essentials in the village, on Brewery Terrace.

“Another concern is the lack of a loading bay on Milford Street. I have informed the Highways team that a loading bay should be available to stop the constant heavy vehicles parking on the pavements and blocking access,” he added.

An online public survey (available until December 17) can be accessed, via: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations

Paper hardcopies of the designs and survey, along with a comments box, will be located at The harbour’s Coal Building, and at County Hall in Haverfordwest, until December 17.