Harbour road protesters return

Protesters have vowed to return to the site everyday

Protesters trying to stop work on a section of a £5m road next to Burry Port harbour are camped on the site for a second day.

A dozen people have erected a tent, flags and banners where a section of the carriageway is due to go.

They say it is not needed and fear there are plans to build homes nearby.

But Carmarthenshire Council denies this and says the link will open up a number of sites for commercial and industrial uses creating many jobs.

We've never been against the idea of the road - we are against the route it is taking across the harbour Christopher Sean Losley

Work on the Burry Port Southern Distributor road, which will run from the A484 to the harbour and railway station, has only just begun.

On Thursday earth moving at the harbour section was stopped because of the protest.

Contractors were able to get on with other parts of the link but the protesters have vowed to return everyday.

They say the authority could widen the existing Sea View Terrace rather than build a new road.

Campaigner Malcolm Davies said: "People will be out with the tent from seven every day for as long as it takes.

"They are desecrating a part of the harbour that is a lovely green area popular with families and the elderly.

Malcolm Davies and Christopher Losley want the road re-routed

"They have not had a mandate from the residents of Burry Port to do this and if they are so confident of support why don't they hold a referendum?

"People are afraid there is a hidden agenda to build new houses on the harbour - houses that people in Burry Port will not be able to afford."

Christopher Sean Losley added: "We've never been against the idea of the road - we are against the route it is taking across the harbour."

The council has accused the protesters of scaremongering over the housing issue.

Local member Councillor Peter Jewell said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Burry Port which is backed by most of the community.

"We can assure everyone that there is no hidden agenda, there are no plans for a housing development on land at Sea View Terrace and that the council has acted completely legally and properly.

"It would be a shame if misinformation and rumour stopped every single person in Burry Port welcoming this major project which has been a long time coming and will reap huge benefits for the whole community."