RESIDENTS of the Amman and Towy valleys have been told they are in for "one hell of a shock" after the second phase of the controversial gas pipeline, which will rip through the heart of the area, was given the go-ahead last week.

The warning comes from Llandybie community councillor Meirion Bowen, who has pleaded with residents to wake up and realise the extent of the proposals.

National Grid received consent from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to construct the new pipeline from Felindre, near Swansea, to Tirley, in Gloucester.

As our map shows, the route runs through Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llangadog.

Senior project manager David Mercer said: "The route was chosen carefully after extensive discussions for more than a year with landowners and other consultees."

Work is scheduled to start at the end of the month, but Mr Bowen insists that he has seen that labour is already well under way in the Amman Valley.

"I have seen a few lorries about in Llandybie and a number of hedgerows have also been taken down.

"I don't think people in the area know just how much of a shock they are in for.

"The number of people becoming aware of the plans in the Amman Valley is growing but residents do need to wake up," he said.

"My main concern is the explosions that will be taking place above Llandybie.

"Only last week, children were banned from playing on an unsafe playground. Yet the pipeline, which is as dangerous as it gets, has been given the go-ahead.

"We don't seem to be working on a level playing field at the moment."

Mr Bowen added that he felt it was his duty to fight to protect his children and that he would even sacrifice his own life to halt the pipeline.

"I would have no problem lying down in front of a bulldozer to stop them working," he declared. "They would have to drive over me to carry on.

"I've done it before and I've got absolutely no problem in doing it again."