A decision to ask a former Big Brother celebrity to open a prestigious new scheme in west Wales has been defended by the local authority.

Carmarthenshire council has opted for Helen Adams, from Cwmbran in south east Wales, to officially open the �4.2m Burry Port Harbour redevelopment at the end of the month.

A �4.2m redevelopment scheme has been carried out

But a number of local people have objected, saying the bubbly hairdresser had the wrong image and the event could be detrimental to the town.

Helen sprung to national prominence when she was runner-up in last year's Big Brother reality TV contest, gripping the nation with her romance with fellow housemate Paul.

Burry Port Mayor Pat Jones says the opening has been held at too short notice and should be postponed until the spring.

She said: "The weather this time of year is horrible and wouldn't be at all nice for the local schoolchildren involved.

"I have not got anything personal against Helen Adams but she is not the appropriate sort of person for an historical occasion like this.

"The harbour isn't quite finished either so delaying till the spring would be far better all round."

Miss Adams's agent, Debbie Catchpole, said the 23 year-old was delighted to perform the official opening of the harbour.

Carmarthenshire councillors say they want to raise the profile of the project across the UK and not just locally.

Mayor Pat Jones: Historic occasion

Council officials said this year's UK Eurovision contestant Jessica Garlick, from nearby Kidwelly, had asked for �2,000 to perform the opening.

Leader Meryl Gravell said: "I feel that it is very regrettable that councillors from the Burry Port area should have taken this approach.

"Helen Adams sprang to fame following her success on the popular TV show Big Brother II and certainly captured the hearts of the nation.

"She is now a respectable TV presenter and popular celebrity.

"Helen's image is the typical girl next door - friendly and bubbly.

"It is unfortunate that some people have labelled her otherwise.

"She is a lovely Welsh girl and is a popular choice among the young people of Carmarthenshire to open our harbour."

Disagreement

However, local people have disagreed with the authority's choice.

Student Beca Jenkins, 17, said: "There are a lot more people with connections with the area which could have been used.

"The council says she is popular with the youth , but all my friends disagree.

"The council hasn't asked us so how do they know what we think."

Robyn Thomas, 17, said: "I disagree with the choice.

"Far more suitable local people could be used."