A PEMBROKESHIRE village is "being held to ransom" by Welsh Water because the sewers can't cope with any new homes being built.

The company has said that no new homes can be built on greenfield sites in Llandissilio for up to the next seven years because of a lack of capacity.

And it's not the only community being stopped from developing by the same problem.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies has called the situation "ridiculous" and is now lobbying for an urgent upgrade to the sewerage system.

"Llandissilio isn't the only community that's been told it cannot have any new homes because of a lack of sewage capacity," said Mr Davies. "There are the same problems in Dinas Cross as well."

He met pensioner Meurig Morris in Llandissilio and heard how he applied for permission to build a new bungalow in the village. The planning authority was happy for the building to go ahead but Welsh Water said it cannot until the sewer capacity is increased.

"I have been told by Welsh Water that they won't even make a decision on improvements until Autumn 2009 and if they do decide to upgrade it then work won't take place until between 2010 and 2015," said Mr Davies.

"Llandissilio could be facing a seven-year wait before any new homes can be built. So what happens to any families wanting to move into the area or grown-up children wanting to set up their own homes? Seven years is too long a wait. This is a ridiculous situation which will stifle our communities."

Mr Morris' case has also been taken up by his county councillor, Huw George.

"I would like Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water to look again at Mr Morris' application and deal with any other planning applications in the Clunderwen and Llandissilio area on a case-by-case basis. "As a community we are being held to ransom by Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water. They are preventing our communities from developing and this will harm individuals, families, the school, the local shops and so much more.

"I am so glad that Paul Davies AM is pushing the issue on our behalf and I hope that his hard work and determination will encourage Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water to look again at Mr Morris' application and get the required works to the sewerage system completed and soon."

Mr Davies is now setting up a meeting with the Managing Director of Welsh Water to discuss the issue in general and Mr Morris' case in particular.