WE MUST PROTECT KENFIG DUNES
I have been contacted by constituents in Cornelly about unauthorised extraction of sand alleged to have been taking place on part of Kenfig dunes.
This is an environmentally fragile area close to the Kenfig Nature Reserve which is a site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides habitat for the rare fen orchid and carver bumble bee.
I have been in contact with Neath Port Talbot Council as the extraction site is in their area and they tell me that an officer has inspected the site and a Stop notice has been served on the land-owner so that further investigations can take place. All extraction work has ceased at the moment.
I welcome their action in halting this activity and it is to be hoped that the sand extraction will now permanently cease at this location.
I want to commend local residents for their vigilance in spotting what was going on and then drawing it to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
Mineral extraction can be a lucrative activity and it is a necessary one as there is massive demand from builders and developers for sand and aggregates but this is not the right place to do it.