A decision on the controversial Gelliswick project could finally be drawing near after several years of deliberation.

Milford Haven town councillors are due to meet with people interested in developing the site today (Wednesday).

But many councillors still have concerns about taking over the lease for the land from Pembrokeshire County Council at a peppercorn rent.

Several town councillors have raised fears about the lack of sea defences and whether it would be a viable investment.

The town council's solicitor is concerned about the financial cost of complying with a covenant which exists on the land, in particular, regarding maintenance of the area.

Members of the Gelliswick Bay Development Group, which includes Milford Haven Golf Club, Milford Haven RFC, Pembrokeshire Yacht Club and Milford Haven Port Authority, have already expressed interest in the project.

Founder and co-ordinator of Milford's Welsh Marine Life Rescue and the Seal Hospital, Terry Leadbetter, hopes to develop a wildlife centre on the site and has already financial backing from Semlogistics.

Mr Leadbetter said: "We will be telling the council again what we told them three years ago. From our point of view, we are still interested and still want to push forward with the project.

"From what I understand, this meeting is to decide whether they are going to take up the lease."

If the project goes ahead the Seal Hospital will move to the wildlife centre, which Mr Leadbetter hopes will attract tourists.

There are also plans to include local schools in the development.

"This will be a major development, which will boost tourism and will be of benefit not just for Milford Haven, but Pembrokeshire as a whole," Mr Leadbetter added.