Plans to re-open the landslide-hit coastal tunnels connecting Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge before the start of summer appear to have hit a snag, according to the Local Authority.

Work has been progressing to reopen the popular path which has been closed since the turn of the year and sectioned off by Pembrokeshire County Council for safety reasons, after being hit by a series of landslips.

The aim was to get the route back open by July 12. However, PCC has issued an update, stating: “Unfortunately, we will not be able to open the Wisemans Bridge to Saundersfoot dramway before the commencement of the main holiday period.

“Opening is delayed until early August as a consequence of additional works required, including the occurrence of another landslip along the path.

“This has required us to instruct the contractor to carry out additional remedial works whilst on site and erosion of the sea wall.

“Together with the contractor we are continuing to consider all options for mitigating delays.

“We have, and will continue to explore various potential options, to try and better the opening date but cannot rule out further issues being identified,” they added.

When PCC awarded the contract for the cliff stabilisation works to iBEX Technical Access - who have extensive experience of this type of work and have worked in the Saundersfoot area previously - they did warn that the planned re-opening date would be ‘dependent on a number of factors’.

Saundersfoot county councillor for the south ward Cllr Chris Williams, who has been keen to see the tunnels reopened ahead of the summer season, to benefit local businesses, residents and visitors alike, said it was ‘great to see’ works going ahead; but also took aim at those continuing to try and access the route, by cutting through fencing.

“After talking to the contractors working on the cliff face, they have experienced many individuals still trying to gain access via the Wisemans Bridge end,” explained Cllr Williams.

“This is extremely dangerous and they have to have a man at the foot of the cliff in case anyone gains access while the material/rock is coming down.”

“A lot of time has been spent clearing away all the loose materials and an area at the top of the cliff has been cleared because it was overhanging, meaning that some trees have had to be taken down and it has left an incredible view from this area.”