Welsh Beach Keepsake Habit Damaging Coastal Homes
A Welsh councilor is urgently asking individuals who have taken pebbles from the local beach to return them. The plea comes after thousands of pebbles have been removed from Saundersfoot beach, putting the coastal defenses of the village at risk. Councillor Chris Williams emphasized that taking rocks and pebbles from most beaches is illegal, stating that the pebbles serve as a sea defense to safeguard the village’s Strand area. Williams expressed concern over the impact of rising sea levels on the village and indicated that a meeting will be held to address this ongoing issue.
- The pebbles on Saundersfoot beach were brought in over the years to protect properties and businesses
- PCC and property owners are planning a meeting to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels
People had been taking pebbles from the beach to paint them as part of a fundraising initiative. While supportive of fundraising efforts, Williams stressed the importance of the stones for the village’s properties, as they prevent erosion. He highlighted that without these pebbles, gardens would face the risk of being washed away. Williams urged the community to understand the significance of not removing pebbles from the beach, as they play a crucial role in coastal protection.
“As a community, we have to make people aware that taking pebbles off the beach will have a big impact on the Strand and its properties.”
In a statement to the Western Telegraph, Councillor Williams acknowledged the allure of collecting pebbles as a seaside memento but emphasized the necessity of retaining them for coastal protection. He underlined the imminent threat of rising sea levels, pointing out that properties in The Strand could succumb to the sea within 75 years at the current rate. Urging compliance, Williams is calling on individuals to return any pebbles they have taken from the beach.
- Williams emphasized the importance of retaining pebbles for coastal protection
- He highlighted the urgent need to address rising sea levels to safeguard the village’s properties