Royal Boskalis Westminster nv

Dear Sir or Madam,

Regarding the disappearance of Gower beaches: in effect what is happening is the complete destruction of a unique ecosystem based on Ice Age glacial deposits. As well as offshore considerations (e.g., Helwick is SAC-listed), the licensing authority should be aware that dredging is irreparably damaging Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty– maintaining a sustainable ecology is paramount.

Llanelli Sand Dredging 1938 was bought up by Westminster Dredging, then bought by Royal Boskalis Westminster nv which is a Netherlands based international group with a leading position in the world market for dredging. Each time a smaller company was subsumed by a larger one and now dredging in Swansea Bay has changed from a local industry to a national one to an international one, in effect leaving the area unprotected from globalised industrialism.

Since February 2006 the rebased closing price for Royal Boskalis Westminster Group is up 25% compared with all other shares at 10%. Many shareholders of the Dutch parent company are unaware (or do not want to be aware) of the consequences of their investment. I think we should take direct action and use the media to inform them of what they may be doing to our heritage. It is ironic that Westminster have won awards for creating beaches – what penalty then for their destruction?

Despite receipts to the Treasury of £191 million net revenue, the Welsh Assembly could be asked to justify that the profit to the Exchequer (through Crown Estates) is consistent with the cost to the environment, culture, local economy and ecology… and the wishes of the People.

Thank you.

Yours,
Twm Shanti