AN appeal has been launched against a decision that Milford Haven Port Authority must release sensitive LNG risk assessment information.

The port authority (MHPA) has decided to challenge the information commissioner's decision that it was wrong to refuse the release of environmental documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

In April the information commissioner had ordered the documents to be released within 35 days, but MHPA decided to go to appeal.

Mr Buxton wanted to see copies of risk assessments that had been used to give advice to Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

MHPA chief executive Ted Sangster said he feared the release of the documents - requested by Richard Buxton -could have a prejudicial impact on on-going proceedings.

He added: "We recognise that members of the public have a right to be appraised of the implications, including safety implications of developments potentially impacting on them."

But, Mr Sangster said, that did not necessarily extend to "large quantities of detailed analysis, much of which is underpinning the effective management of LNG shipping in the haven".

Mr Sangster said the information could also be potentially used by competitors to gain a commercial advantage over LNG companies Dragon and South Hook.

A spokesman for pressure group Safe Haven suggested MHPA "still felt there was something to hide".