THE highest tides of 2010 are set to hit the South Wales coastline tomorrow.

And while the high tide could prove a sight to see around Swansea, Llanelli is being warned to batten down the hatches as some of the highest tides in living memory are expected to hit our coastline.

Tides in excess of nine metres are set to reach the coast along the Burry Inlet on Thursday, and if the wind conditions change, the whole area could be battered by monster waves.

The Environment Agency Wales said there was no need for alarm at the moment, but admitted it was monitoring the situation.

Warning

A spokesman said: "The highest tide of the year is scheduled for Thursday evening and we are monitoring the situation closely.

"At the moment it doesn't appear to be a problem, but if the wind changes we will be issuing a flood warning."

Lifelong cockler and Morfa resident Tony Rees, 72, said: "It's going to be among the highest tides in living memory.

"People don't really understand or know anything about it, the public should be made more aware of it all.

"The only thing saving us is it doesn't look like there's going to be the type of wind which makes it far worse."

Mr Rees accused the council of not doing more to warn of the possible risk of flooding.

He said: "The council should be taking more responsibility and warning people when the big tides are coming.

"They can read the tide tables like everyone else.

"They need to prepare, not wait until it happens."

Mr Rees also pointed out that the local coastline had already been hit hard in recent times.

"The coastal path has been damaged a few times over the last couple of years with just a slight breeze," he said.

"If you get a big Atlantic swell in, it's going to cause a lot of damage.

"It could even affect the railway line.

"It is a big problem.

"We really need a new sea defence wall.

"There's nothing along the Machynys stretch, just a handful of stones."

Burry Port councillor Les George told his fellow Carmarthenshire Council members two years ago that sea defences were needed to protect the coast.

He said at the time: "It must be remembered that this estuary has one of the highest rise and fall of tides in the world, and with gale force south west winds coinciding with high tides, our shoreline gets a real battering, causing unbelievable erosion and damage.

Contingencies

"Sea defences should be put in place, as further erosion could have a detrimental effect on the Millennium Coastal Path and Burry Port in general, especially the south side of the railway line."

Carmarthenshire's leisure services press officer Ron Cant said: "There is no way to plan for freakish bad weather and high tides, other than to react and put in practice our well-rehearsed emergency contingencies, should they be needed."

He added: "On this occasion, as in the vast majority to equinox tides — without hopefully repeating a Michael Fish moment — I'm sure all we will be left with after Thursday will be beautiful, lasting and inspiring memories."

geraint.thomas@swwmedia.co.uk