A local county councillor has had a dig at Pembrokeshire County Council regarding excavation work due to be carried out at allotments on St. John’s Hill in Tenby.

Clr. Michael Williams, who represents the Tenby North ward, has written to the authority’s estates surveyor, regarding the planned ‘extensive work’ which has caused concern amongst allotment holders.

Allotment holders at St Johns Hill have received letters from PCC’s estates survery Tim Bullock stating that Welsh Water had discovered an issue with the foul sewer that goes underneath the allotments, and in order to carry out work to remove a filter from the system, a large excavator would need to be craned onto the site to dig down approximately 4.5 meters in depth, adjacent to the boundary wall.

“I note the extent of the work proposed in this site, with the excavation to be 4.5 metres in depth immediately alongside the boundary wall, and I have serious concerns about the stability of this wall if this work is progressed as suggested,” wrote Clr. Williams in correspondence to estates surveyor, Tim Bullock.

“It also appears that 50 per cent of the allotment area will have to be closed during this work, with very limited access to the rest of the site.

“Would it not be easier to re-route the foul sewer directly into the existing system in the roadway, thus avoiding the need to carry out what is an extensive engineering project, which could endanger the stability of this wall.

“I note that Welsh Water are looking for alternative ways of addressing this work and I would hope that the route I suggest could be investigated,” he continued, asking for assurances that the allotment holders would be compensated for their losses if the work as proposed proceeds.

Responding to Clr. Williams’s query, Mr.Bullock explained that the proposed works were statutory repair works to the foul sewers that would be carried out by Welsh Water.

“PCC will have no involvement with the works, and at this time there is no decision on whether the works will actually be carried out at the allotments,” said Mr. Bullock, stating that he had written to the tenants to advise them of what may happen and the consequences it may have on their gardening this year.

“Welsh Water and their contractors met me on site and are fully aware of the issues of excavating directly adjacent to the wall, and any safety works needed will obviously be put in place,” he continued.

“They have been working recently in the road at the top of St. Johns Hill to try and carry out the replacement from there, unfortunately the amount of services in that area meant it was not possible.

“At the outset, diverting the sewer along the side of the flats and into the road at the front was considered, but as the main sewer in the road is apparently five metres down at this point, it was discounted as an option.

“However, following our site meeting, this option will be reinvestigated as an alternative, and I am awaiting notification of the result of this investigation.

“I can assure you that if the works have to go ahead on the site, any rent demands for this year will either be cancelled, or refunded if already paid.

“Any claims for compensation would have to be dealt with by negotiation with Welsh Water, but at this time there is very little planted on the site that would need replacing,” added Mr. Bullock.