CARRY ON; Dredging decision secures 2,000 jobs.

Byline: Louise Day

UP TO 2,000 jobs have been temporarily saved with the continuation of dredging just miles off the Porthcawl coast.

The National Assembly has granted three dredging companies operating at Nash Bank, in the Bristol Channel, a 12-month reprieve while consultation into the environmental impact of dredging is carried out.

Sue Essex, the assembly's Environment Minister, said the decision had been taken to safeguard local jobs.

She said: "This is a short-term measure to ensure the continuity of supplying this material to firms in South Wales and job security to the employees who depend on it, while the long-term future policy for dredging in the Bristol Channel is under consideration.

"The consultation, which followed the environmental impact assessment for Nash Bank, did not reveal any major issues that would necessitate an immediate ban on dredging there."

The news has been welcomed by dredging companies who say the move will save up to 2,000 jobs in the industry.

David Weekes, spokesman for Hanson Marine, said: "We are very pleased, it is something we have been campaigning for and have lobbied the assembly about.

"Time and time again our studies have shown the effects of wind, waves and tides are more devastating to the coastline than dredging, and there is an open invitation to anyone what wants to come to see our research."

But local residents and conservationists say they are disappointed the licences that expired last February have been extended, allowing the companies to dredge another 900,000 tonnes of sand.

They say dredging is eroding local beaches.

South Wales West AM Peter Black said: "I believe there is evidence that sand loss on South Wales beaches in Porthcawl and the Gower can be attributed to dredging activity, and the assembly should seek to stop all dredging within 10 miles of the coastline to prevent further sand loss."

A final decision on the future of dredging at Nash Bank is expected within the next 12 months.

County councillor and Porthcawl Town Mayor David Anderson said: "As a council we have pressed for a stop on dredging until the facts of the situation are known but a temporary extension is better than the lengthy licences they have had in the past."

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION

DO YOU think dredging should be stopped at Nash Bank or would you like to see the industry continue to operate under stricter licences?

Whatever your view, the Echo wants to hear from you.

Telephone our Bridgend reporters Louise Day and Abby Alford on 01656 304903/304914 or write to the South Wales Echo, 2 Brackla Street Centre, Bridgend, CF31 1DD.

CAPTION(S):

MIXED REACTIONS Dredging ships will continue their works near the Porthcawl coast.