Campaigners claim people could be put off visiting Tenby's beaches

An application has been made to test the quality of cockles on the sands at Tenby's North Beach which has provoked a furious response from people there.

They are joining a campaign set up to stop commercial gathering at nearby Saundersfoot beach which has attracted more than 2,000 signatures for a petition.

Pembrokeshire Council has confirmed it has had a request to test the cockles at both Saundersfoot and Tenby's North Beach to see if they are suitable for sale.

Most people who live in Pembrokeshire are very passionate about the beaches Tony Edwards

The authority says it has not had any other applications for beaches in the county.

Campaign organiser Tony Edwards said Tenby was the 'jewel in the crown' of Pembrokeshire's beaches and should not be exploited for commercial cockling.

"People are very concerned," he said.

"We have beautiful beaches and most people who live in Pembrokeshire are very passionate about the beaches.

"Tenby is the absolute jewel in the crown."

Campaigners argue commercial gathering could put people off visiting the beaches and could cost the region its Blue Flags, particularly if vehicles access the sands.

Campaigners claim people could be put off visiting Tenby's beaches

There is a world-wide shortage of the shellfish which has seen their market price rocket.

Gatherers are now looking for new beds to help meet demand.

The petition, which has also attracted support from people in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock, calls for a total ban on commercial gathering on all of Pembrokeshire's beaches.

While commercial gathering has taken place sporadically at Saundersfoot before, local people say they cannot remember it ever having taken place at Tenby.

The cockle industry employs more than 100 people in south west Wales but most of the shellfish are harvested from the Burry Inlet between Gower and Llanelli.