The number of children deemed to be in need of protection in Pembrokeshire has more than doubled in the last two years, local MP Simon Hart can reveal.

The council has also seen a 50% increase in the cost of legal fees relating to child protection matters.

"This is a pattern which has been repeated all over the UK since the death of Baby P two years ago," explained Mr Hart.

Seventeen-month-old Peter Connelly died in Haringey in November 2008 after months of abuse by his mother, her boyfriend and their lodger.

The NSPCC and local authorities saw a rise in reports from the public about child protection issues sparked by the increase in public awareness.

Information gathered under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that in Pembrokeshire there were 47 children on the council's child protection register in March 2008 – but by March 2010 that number had jumped to 105.

And legal costs relating to child protection matters also soared.

"In 2007 the cost of paying solicitors and barristers was just over £61,000

but by 2010 that had risen to nearly £99,000," said Mr Hart.

"Bear in mind that this is just one element of the costs relating to child protection matters, there is also extra pressure on staffing and resources to be taken into account."

Mr Hart was alerted to the increase in pressure on resources following a visit to a GP practice in Pembrokeshire.

"They told me that the increase in looked after children has added a lot of extra pressure on their practice.

"It is vitally important that the public and those coming into contact with children continue to report any fears they may have about their welfare and that the Labour-Plaid led Welsh Assembly Government ensures the funds to deal with the increase in demand for these services are available."