Work is progressing to reopen the landslide-hit coastal tunnels connecting Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge.

The popular path 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 is to get the tunnels that adjoin Saundersfoot with its neighbouring seaside village of Wisemans Bridge back open by the start of the summer holidays, although this is dependent on a number of factors.

The contract for the cliff stabilisation works was awarded to iBEX Technical Access who have extensive experience of this type of work and have worked in the Saundersfoot area previously.

“It is envisaged work will be completed and the path reopened around July 12. This date is provisional, and subject to satisfactory progress of work being achieved,” said a spokesperson for the Local Authority.

PCC highway infrastructure engineer Neil Morgan remarked: “Works are going well on site. There is a lot more loose rock to the face of the cliffs which requires removal but this should not cause too much of an issue.

“We have had an issue with settlement of the sea wall backfill material nearer Wisemans Bridge causing a hole in the path. This is a result of coastal erosion to the seawall which will be repaired this week.

“We are still working towards opening the tunnels on July 12, this is however, as always, dependent on many factors.”

Saundersfoot county councillor for the south ward Cllr Chris Williams, who has been keen to ensure that the tunnels are reopened ahead of the summer season, to benefit local businesses, residents and visitors alike, said: “It is great to see works going ahead at the tunnels recently and was lovely to have a quick catch up with the contractors while I had a meeting at Coppet Hall.

“Works are progressing well on site and there is a lot more loose rock on the cliffs that requires removal. This should not cause too much of an issue.

“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. This has meant that some trees have had to be taken down and it has left an incredible view from this area.

“Once these works are completed, they will then work on the area near Wisemans Bridge that will also need clearing and making safe.

“There has been additional works planned due to an issue with settlement of the sea wall backfill material nearer Wisemans Bridge, causing a hole in the path. This is a result of coastal erosion to the seawall, that will be repaired next week.”

There were fears recently expressed that the work could be hindered by people putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing in place at the entrance to the ‘short tunnel’ in recent weeks to gain access.

“I can also confirm, after talking to the contractors working on the cliff face, that they have experienced many individuals still trying to gain access via the Wisemans Bridge end of the tunnels,” continued Cllr Williams.

“They have stated 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. I sincerely hope this doesn’t impact on the proposed date of July 12.”