THE boss of Pembrey Airport has launched a fierce attack on Carmarthenshire Council and the Welsh Government, blaming an alleged lack of support on their part for the loss of up to 800 potential jobs.

Captain Winston Thomas accused the pair of failing to help extend the former World War Two runway with the result, he claimed, that numerous commercial opportunities had failed to take off.

The council, however, seemed surprised by the 800-job claim and said there was no cash available to support privately-run projects at the current time.

Mr Thomas, who has a 50-year lease on the airport, said: "Carmarthenshire Council and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) have been asked to fund the completion of the runway extension, but both parties have been reluctant to commit funds to the airport.

"A WAG commissioned report has stated that due to lack of funding to date, 800 jobs have been lost at the airport.

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"Without the runway extension, a vital transport artery into Carmarthen has been radically constricted.

"Expressions of interest from local businesses wishing to gain clients from the wider UK and Europe alone proves the need for funding."

But he said he would not be pulling out of the airport despite the delays and setbacks.

"I am not a quitter," said Mr Thomas, who claims to have invested around £3.7 million in the airport.

The runway extension needed, under civil aviation rules, would cost less than £600,000, says Mr Thomas.

He added: "The completed runway extension would mean that passenger carrying jets would be able to use the airport delivering people wishing to make use of Ffos Las racecourse, the BARC motor sports centre, the country park, Beach Break Live, Jack Nicklaus golf course and the numerous other attractions the county boasts."

A council spokesman said: "The plans currently lie with the Welsh Assembly Government who have been involved in all levels of discussion over the past few years.

"There is no money available to support privately-run projects of this kind at this time of economic constraint.

"The prospect of 800 jobs being created is not something we've been made aware of."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said: "Discussions are ongoing on a number of different issues between Pembrey Airport, Carmarthenshire Council and the Welsh Assembly Government and it would be inappropriate to make any comment at this stage due to commercial sensitivities."