Local MP Simon Hart fears that the closure of the Minor Injuries Units in Tenby and Pembroke Dock will lead to greater waiting times at Withybush A&E.

He is also worried that Tenby, which sees in influx of 45,000 visitors in the summer months, will struggle to cope without the unit at its Cottage Hospital.

Figures obtained by his office reveal that 5,500 people visited the Tenby unit this year – with 800 of those needing treatment in August alone.

"All these people will now have no choice but to go to Withybush for treatment so it is bound to increase waiting times there," he said.

In Tenby the town's population increases ten-fold during the peak summer season.

"I remember being told during a visit to the Cottage Hospital that their unit was particularly busy during July and August. People are now going to face a 14-mile plus journey for emergency treatment.

"Both these communities also have a significant ageing population and for the south of the county to be left without this cover is extremely worrying.

"I also understand that ambulances are no longer allowed to ferry minor injuries to hospital so how will the elderly who don't drive or visitors here without their cars get to Withybush?"