A provisional date has been set for the completion of works to reopen the coastal path between Coppet Hall in Saundersfoot and Wiseman’s Bridge, closed to the public due to rock falls at the turn of the year.

With Pembrokeshire County Council approving funding for cliff stability works, of up to £600K, which was unanimously supported at the Cabinet meeting last month, the formal outcome of a number of grant funding bids are awaited, which would mean that any grant funding would then replace the already approved Council funding.

The scheme is currently out to tender, and award of the works is hoped to be on April 11.

Giving an update, county councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams said: “Subject to completion of all the pre construction information, it is hoped the site work will commence around May 20, and it is hoped work will be completed and the path reopened around July 12 - ready for the school holidays.

People continue to defy safety restrictions on a closed coastal path between Coppett Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge
People continue to defy safety restrictions on a closed coastal path between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge. (Facebook)

“All these dates are provisional, and subject to satisfactory progress of work being achieved.”

Cllr Williams said that the closed access path continued to be ignored by a ‘small minority of individuals’ who feel their rights are ‘being violated’ with the path being closed.

He said that whilst out walking with the ‘WalkTalkWalk’ group from the Medical Centre recently, participants walked to Coppet Hall so they could head back on the beach.

“Unfortunately the group witnessed two elderly ladies who were moving the barriers to gain access!” continued Cllr Williams.

“I did question if they had read the signage and I did explain that this route is highly dangerous at the moment due to large rocks hanging over the tunnel entrance.

“One of the ladies decided to carry on while the other lady was reminded by myself that these selfish actions are putting safety risks to any individual who may come to their rescue if they were caught by falling rocks.”

Coppet hall tunnel closed
The Council has made an order temporarily prohibiting all vehicular and non vehicular access on the shared use footpath from Coppet Hall Point (Observer pic)

Cllr Williams said that families and a school party on a geography field study trip had also been witnessed in recent weeks, accessing the closed off path.

“I do find it amazing that these teachers who are teaching geology and rock formations, still decide to ignore the signs and proceed through!

“I have chased Pembrokeshire Council and they are waiting to take delivery of gates that will be installed on this path to prevent pedestrians gaining access especially when works commence.”