Cwmtydu is being sealed off, claim residents

There are claims that Dr Bob Morris is banning people from walking in the tiny cove at Cwmtydu near New Quay.

Villagers say they would not interfere with the animals and should be allowed on the beach.

But Dr Morris says he and members of his wildlife group are being victimised and eggs have been thrown at his car.

The beach in Cardigan Bay is popular with holidaymakers, but it is also a breeding ground for endangered Atlantic Grey Seals.

Smugglers are said to have used the cove centuries ago along with U-boat commanders in World War 1, but now it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and provides a natural shelter for the seals.

Eggs have been thrown at my car and rudeness and aggression has been directed towards the volunteers Dr Bob Morris

However, its claimed that Dr Morris and Cwmtydu Wildlife Group are being "over zealous" in trying to protect the seals which bask and nurture their young there.

Ceredigion county councillor for the area, Ken Llwyd, said: "Three or four years ago people started a seal watch.

"There was a suggestion the wildlife watchers suggested getting a byelaw preventing people from going on the beach when the seals were giving birth.

"But that was going to take too long so the patrols began.

"But recently I've received a growing number of complaints from people accusing Dr Morris over being over zealous.

Oceanographer Dr Morris, of Cwmtydu Wildlife Group, said the group of 20 volunteers had been monitoring the seals for four years since a mother gave birth to a pup there.

But problems had worsened since official warning signs were put up this summer, he said.

"Eggs have been thrown at my car and rudeness and aggression has been directed towards the volunteers.

"I'm made out to be the bad guy and there's a sort of a vendetta against me.

"Some locals claim their businesses are being effected by tourists not being able to walk on the beach. The beach is not closed."

Hundreds are flocking to Cwmtydu to see seal pups and their mothers

"The police came down too and told us that the seals were not to be disturbed and people could be face prosecution if they did.

"The council provided us with official signs which asked people to stay away when the endangered Atlantic Grey Seals were giving birth.

"But it seems now that the official signs, compared to the marker-penned ones we used to have, have made people react differently."

A Cwmtydu resident, who did not want to be named, said: "People who visit the village expect to be able to go onto the beach and they can't.

"Seals have been giving birth to pups there for generations and there's never been these sorts of restrictions before.