Delivery of the LNG could begin as early as October 2007

The companies behind the Milford Haven sites have said they will employ as many people from the area as possible.

But a labour consultant has estimated that 3,000 workers may have to be brought in from outside.

Estate agents have said LNG workers prepared to pay three times more than locals are snapping up rental property.

Nancy Pyart, office manager for RK Lucas estate agents in Milford Haven, said contractors approached her employer several times a day looking for rentals.

Money

"The local people who are looking for properties, they can't afford to pay as much as the LNG workers can and they are having a harder time trying to find somewhere to rent," she added.

"LNG workers are prepared to pay two or three times as much so there are pros and cons for LNG coming down.

"Some people will make money out of this."

LNG importation could make Milford Haven the UK's third busiest port

Danny Fellows, a labour consultant from Milford Haven, has estimated that 60% of the workforce needed to build the two terminals and two possible power stations - about 3,000 people - will have to come from outside the area.

He said that these "travelling" workers could bring problems such as increased crime and extra strain on health services in the port town.

Dragon LNG and South Hook LNG, the companies which are creating the terminals, have said they are employing local workers wherever possible.

But some people with specific skills will have to be brought in from out of the area.

However, the firms said the total would be much less than the 3,000 predicted by Mr Fellows.

'Solution'

Darren Thomas, who lives opposite one of the terminal sites, has applied for planning permission for 40 caravans on the industrial land he owns, which would accommodate about 100 workers.

But Pat Thomas, whose house backs on to Mr Thomas' land, has organised a petition against his development with her husband, Stan.

"We have been 10 years with total privacy but with men right round our property, it will ruin our lives," said Mrs Thomas.

However, Darren Thomas denies a caravan park would cause problems. "What I'm proposing is a solution," he said.