Visitors to a beach in Pembrokeshire have been asked to return its pebbles amid fears over the future of the area’s sea defences.
The stones were first introduced at Saundersfoot, in the south of the county in West Wales, in the 1970s.
But since then the number of pebbles has significantly reduced, while sea levels are continuing to rise. A public meeting has now been called to discuss the concerns.
Councillor Chris Williams, who represents Saundersfoot South on Pembrokeshire County Council, acknowledged that beachgoers who took pebbles did not “mean any harm”.
“They’re unaware of the consequences,” he told Sky News.
“All I want to get across is say, look, just be mindful of the residents who live there and the properties and the businesses and if you see people taking pebbles, just let them know that they’re there for a reason.”
Saunderfoot in Pembrokeshire. Pic: iStock/jax10289
Cllr Williams has also launched an appeal to anyone who may have taken pebbles to return them to the beach.
“I would advise anyone that if you have got stones in [your] properties, or you have in the past, then you’re more than welcome to bring them down, put them back on the beach and then I’m sure the residents there will be much appreciative,” he added.
“There is going to have to be some serious questions raised and accounted for going forward and the fact of the matter is they could have to get thousands of tonnes of stone back in certain areas.”
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A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said the removal of pebbles could contribute to “changes in the beach’s natural defences” over time.
They added: “Pebbles and other sediment play a vital role in protecting coastlines by absorbing wave energy and stabilising the shoreline. Their removal could accelerate the erosion process and impact local biodiversity.
“We strongly encourage the public to refrain from removing pebbles or other natural materials from beaches and to return any previously taken pebbles to the beach where possible.”