The slipway at Amroth beach in Pembrokeshire has been vandalised again, with a new lock removed for the third time this year, raising fears the access point will be closed off indefinitely.
History of closures and conditions
In 2004, Pembrokeshire Council closed the slipway and blocked beach access for the launch and recovery of all watercraft after a number of incidents involving jet skis and swimmers. The council later agreed to reopen it under conditions, including the formation of a committee and restricting access to members who paid an annual fee. The use of jet skis was prohibited as part of these conditions.
The Amroth Slipway Association, the committee set up to manage the slipway, now says there is a "high risk" it will be closed off indefinitely. The group has reported the criminal and anti-social behaviour to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Association's appeal to the community
"We once again regret to inform you that the lock to the slipway at Amroth has been removed unlawfully," a spokesman for the Amroth Slipway Association said. "Could we respectfully remind the community the slipway is the property of Pembrokeshire County Council and if access continues to be abused by rogue members of the community there is a high risk it will be closed indefinitely."
"We campaigned relentlessly 20 years ago to be able to use the slipway when it was closed to the public last time. An agreement was reached between PCC and the community to use the slipway on a membership basis via the newly established Amroth Slipway Association," the spokesman added. "Whilst these rogue individuals continue to use the slipway we would invite the local community if they are passing to challenge people using it and ask if they are indeed members of the association."
Threats and cost of repairs
A member of the association's committee has been physically threatened, and full reports regarding the criminal and anti-social behaviour have been made to Dyfed-Powys Police. The same individuals have also been disrespectful to lifeguards at the slipway, with the association warning such behaviour must not become the "new norm" in the community.
"There seems little point locking the slipway at the moment if the lock is just going to be removed with a grinder after hours," the spokesman continued. "They are expensive, over £100 each, and this will be the third this year. The association has made full and open disclosure to PCC. If the community fails to respect the agreement we had with PCC there is a risk the slipway will be closed to the public forever."
