MoD Unveiled Grand Plans for 8-Mile-Long Beach, Met with Local Resistance
The Ministry of Defence had ambitious intentions for the picturesque 8-mile-long Cefn Sidan beach on the outskirts of Pembrey. However, the locals took matters into their own hands, leading to a guerrilla-style resistance that thwarted the MoD’s plans. The golden sands of Cefn Sidan, known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil setting, were at risk of being transformed into a testing ground for missiles if the MoD had succeeded in its relocation efforts.
The prospect of missile tests and explosions echoing along the serene Pembrey shoreline led to a significant confrontation in Carmarthenshire’s history. In 1969, the MoD aimed to move the Shoeburyness gunnery range from Essex to Pembrey, as part of broader plans that included building London’s third airport in the Thames estuary. The peaceful coastline between Pembrey and Kidwelly was earmarked for the gunnery range, where missiles would be fired into the ocean.
The local community quickly rallied against the MoD’s proposals, with over 25,000 individuals joining forces to protect the idyllic Cefn Sidan beach. This grassroots movement gave rise to the Pembrey Gunnery Range Opposition group, led by individuals like Frank Williams, who voiced concerns about the irreversible impact on the area’s natural beauty and future generations.
Support for the campaign spread rapidly, with the vicar of Pembrey allowing an SOS banner to be displayed from the church tower and opposition committees forming in surrounding areas like Burry Port, Kidwelly, and Llanelli. Even local children got involved by participating in a painting competition to create posters for the cause. The unity and determination of the community were evident as they stood together to preserve their coastline.
In 1969, the MoD unveiled its plans for west Wales, citing job creation and operational benefits from the gunnery relocation. However, protesters remained steadfast in their resistance, removing stakes marking development areas and staging human chains to obstruct construction efforts. Despite initial reports suggesting imminent construction, protesters persisted by impeding entry of troops and disrupting testing activities.
The intense opposition culminated in a public inquiry where a petition with 27,000 signatures was presented, prompting officials to reconsider the environmental impact of the gunnery project. Ultimately, the MoD’s plans were deemed unfit, and the gunnery project was scrapped. This victory not only marked a turning point in preserving Cefn Sidan’s tranquillity but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of Pembrey Country Park, a cherished destination in Carmarthenshire.
Today, Pembrey Country Park stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication to safeguarding their natural surroundings. With its expansive forestry and iconic eight-mile golden sand stretch at Cefn Sidan, the park remains a popular retreat for families, cyclists, and walkers alike. The legacy of the opposition group’s unwavering fight against the MoD’s proposals lives on in the park’s existence as a testament to the power of grassroots activism.
In conclusion, the story of Cefn Sidan beach serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement and environmental conservation. The successful resistance against the MoD’s plans highlights the impact of collective action in preserving cherished landscapes for future generations to enjoy. Through unity and determination, the locals of Pembrey were able to protect their treasured coastline and create a lasting legacy that continues to thrive today.