Summer repair hope for coast path hit by landslips

Work is under way on landslide-hit coastal path and tunnels, with hope that they will reopen later this summer, despite a third landslip.

Many local people use the path to reach work, shops and health services, while businesses also rely on it to attract tourists.

The coast path in Pembrokeshire between Wiseman’s Bridge and Coppet Hall near Saundersfoot, known as the Tramway, experienced substantial rockfalls late last year and in January.

Pembrokeshire council has said that the work to stabilise the cliffs and tunnels is likely to cost about £600,000.

The January fall happened at the Coppet Hall end of the path, while the November landslides were closer toward the Wisemans Bridge end of the path.

Funding will come either from outside agencies or the council budget.

Pembrokeshire council cabinet members have backed the works, with a hoped-for finish date this summer, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They were told that if restoration was not done, it could lead to the permanent closure of this section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path - which is part of the Wales Coast Path - and a national cycle route.

"Businesses depend upon the link during the summer months to attract tourists to the area and support the local economy," the cabinet was told in a report.

The council said a third landslip had happened since the contract for cliff stabilisation was awarded.

Barriers and warning signs have been placed at the entrance to the "short tunnel" - the first of the two which lead from Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge, along with fencing on the Wisemans side.

But the signs had been ignored by some people, along with damage caused, with a gate later put in place on the Coppet Hall side.

Fencing on the opposite side has also been targeted, with a hole cut through