Residents must be consulted on Cockling plans – William Powell AM
William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has called on the Welsh Government to detail what, if any, discussions it had with the towns and communities surrounding the Three Rivers Cockle Beds, Carmarthenshire over its decision to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012.
William Powell, Rural Affairs Spokesperson, said:
"Cockling is an important part of local culture and the Carmarthenshire economy, but it is essential that local residents and communities are fully consulted over any decision to suspend the temporary closures of beds.
I have been contacted by several residents surrounding Llansteffan who expressed their deep concern that the Welsh Government did not consult widely enough and allow them to contribute towards the decision.
For this important industry and piece of Welsh heritage is going to be a success story it must be rooted in our local communities and serve their needs before any other.
As a result of these concerns I have written to the Minister to seek details of the consultations held in the Three Rivers area, along with communications with the wider Carmarthenshire Local Authority."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Written Questions Submitted to the Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science:
1) Will the Minister please outline the extent to which local communities were consulted on the decision to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012?
2) Will the Minister please detail and justify the public consultation steps undertaken by the Welsh Government with local residents before the decision was made to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012?
3) What impact assessment has the Welsh Government made of the effect of their decision to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012 on the health of those cockle beds?
4) Does the Welsh Government have any plans for further suspension of the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery between July 2012 and July 2015?
5) What steps has the Welsh Government taken to ensure maximum local economic benefit during the suspension of the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery during June 2012?
6) Will the Minister please detail all communications between the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council surrounding the decision to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012?
7) Will the Minister please detail all communications between the Welsh Government and surrounding 'Three Rivers' Town and Community Councils regarding the decision to suspend the temporary closure of the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery in June 2012?