Photo courtesy of BBC
"Firms Aim to Double Sand Dredging": (08/08/2007)
This is the BBC's report regarding how three dredging companies aim to double the amount of sand currently being dredged from the south Wales coastline.
The companies involved are currently allowed to remove up to 900,000 tonnes annually from Porthcawl but are seeking to change this to 1.8m tonnes at a new location from Carmarthen Bay and west Gower.
Spokespeople from the companies claim that there is no scientific evidence that dredging contributes to sand erosion, however while there remains a significant reduction in sand levels throughout Gower, it would seem plausible to presume that there is some degree of correlation.
When researching information for this blog, it was relatively hard to come across relevant articles. My first port of call was the South Wales Evening Post, which I thought - given the proximity to Gower and its surrounding areas - that it would dedicate a large degree of information to the sand dredging cause. Instead, what I discovered was merely a handful of pieces skirting over what is undoubtedly a principle concern to numerous residents and citizens of Swansea. The above news article from the BBC was not covered by the Evening Post, and I find it perturbing to think that the dominant local press failed to include any mention of what could potentially be a major environmental issue concerning south Wales. I also struggle to find justification for the fact that such issues are not covered in more detail. While this can welcome numerous debates surrounding the newsworthiness of the issues at hand, it cannot be contested that the Evening Post in particular appears to relish in coverage of local concerns, which is apparent through the continual inclusion of community resistance against potential supermarket expansions, and the ongoing leisure centre fiasco, for example. So while it seems that local concerns are often of importance to the local media, then indeed it can be questioned as to why sand dredging commands such few news items. This is an issue that concerns an entire region - not just an isolated community - and is a debate that has resulted in growing resistance over the years. Indeed it has been of enough importance to warrant numerous websites - including this one! - which aim to propose its significance. While such apparent ignorance exists, there is fear that an issue that is of major concern to the majority of Gower residents will simply not get the coverage that allows for free and open discussion in order to enable the Gower community to be fully aware of the situation.
Since the BBC covered the article about the proposed dredging increase, there has been no follow up information to indicate the outcome of any decision.
"Protecting Perfection": The Gower Society looks back at 60 years to save the Peninsula from Developers" (04/03/2008)
While there is generally little information regarding the current environmental and political situation down Gower, the Evening Post did dedicate a feature article covering the work of The Gower Society on 4th March 2008.
The article was primarily concerned with the historical background to the society, however it did touch upon issues such as sand dredging and how they are regarded by various members of the society.
It would appear that while it is commendable that the Post chooses to cover the crucial work of The Gower Society and also mentions some of the pivotal issues covered on this website, it brings me to question why, when it is clear that such issues are known by organisations such as The Gower Society and are being dedicated a full feature in the Evening Post, such a colour feature takes precedent over news reporting. Rather than including news items concerning sand dredging, the proposed hotel development, the demise of farming and agriculture, and the current state of tourism, The Post instead seems to gloss over such issues in favour of providing a rather woolly account of life down Gower. Indeed one of my major concerns regarding the situation down Gower is the apparent lack of support from local media. Through researching online, it became evident that articles covered by the BBC, such as the one above contained little or no mention in the Evening Post. While this blog does not aim to attack the local press, it does appear strange that the Post seemingly does not dedicate much coverage to issues that are deemed significant enough for the national press.
One can only hope that coverage such as the Protecting Perfection article, irrespective of its accuracies or detail, does raise awareness in some shape or form.
Older News Reports:
"Gower Sand Dredging 'Betrayal'" - BBC News 15th October 2003
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