Read more about the plans in our BBC News Archive then have Your Say.

Bob Irish from Penrhyncoch told us his thoughts on the matter in August 2009:

Bob:"Personally I don't see the long term goal of a 'mecca' being achieved. For one thing, Borth village is a downright horrid place to visit in the summer, let alone in the winter. The reasons it won't work are because it is easy to replicate. If it can be done at Borth, then it can be done in a number of other places too, and those other places probably won't be dumps like Borth. And I am qualified to call it a dump because I have lived four miles away from it my entire life.

In my opinion, an artificial reef would do more good if it was built off Tan-Y-Bwlch beach south of Aberystwyth. The beach is effectively unused by everybody but dog walkers and Art students who build things out of the stones. It is also has wonderful sand on its southern end, it is over a kilometere long so has plenty of room, and is right on the outskirts of Aberystwyth.

The increase in tourism would do far more good for Aberystwyth than it ever could do in Borth. Aberystwyth is a town with businesses that rely on tourism to survive, whereas Borth is just a Village with a few pubs and a newsagents to serve the residents. Also, as has been mentioned, Borth just hasn't got the road infastructure to cope with large scale tourism, it already struggles badly in the summer months, and any increase would just ruin the place even more."

In August 2007, Denny from Borth weighed up the pros and cons of the proposed scheme.

Denny:"As a costal defence works and potential new Habitat the reef scheme seems a fantastic opportunity. ASR have done their homework, and provided that the scheme falls into the Environmental Impact Assessment process (having consideration to the Dyfi NNR and other sensitive areas) the project could go a long way to addressing many of the future problems Borth faces with the threat of sea level rise. As a life long local and Surfer of 20 years, I would have concerns that a high profile surfing reef will suffer from the same terrible overcrowding problems that all so called surfing Mecca's around the world do. A 'one spot take off reef', with several dozen local and visiting surfers (having watched the internet forcasts)will make the venue competitve, dangerous and aggressive Sadly. Parking will be a big problem, with the majority of visiting surfers staying in Vans and probably tipping their chemical loo/potty down the storm drains. Borth is ready for a reef,BUT there are some wider social impacts to be considered. If the scene in Newquay, Cornwall is anything to go by, Borth could become a place local people/local surfers resent. This project carries a great deal of responsibilty and could make or Break the little town."

Dee Caldwell from Ham, Selsey, West Sussex thinks that the scheme faces a few challenges:

Dee:"Great idea to raise the level of the sea floor which would cause the waves to break off shore rather than on the existing sea defences. However it would appear that these proposals need executive sponsorship at the highest level. I have noticed that there are so many interested parties in a simple yet radical proposal that it needs firm leadership to get a result. Best of Luck."

Chris, a jet-skier from Shrewsbury has a message for surfers:

I'm a jet skier just like Mr James and also abide by the rules set out by the local council we pay our way each season. I don't understand why some of the local surfers choose to slate us on some websites . I did not see them rushing to save a windsurfer in trouble in the estuary last year as three of us did .The ocean is big enough for us all to enjoy and lets look after it and its wildlife."

Martin James from Wolverhampton wants jet-skiing to remain at Borth:

"I have been going to borth all my life since a small child and havent seen it change much over the years i am all for change as long as it does not affect the jet ski-ing i am a jetskier myself who abides by the rules and pays a lot of money to the council each year."

Julie from Warwickshire supports the plans for an artificial reef:

"I have been visiting Borth regularly for the last three years and I love the place. The people are warm and friendly and the beaches at both Borth and Ynyslas are fantastic. I would welcome an artificial reef to the town. The residents rely so much on tourism and give fully of their time to ensure that we have a good holiday. My only concern is the parking and being able to drive down the street in one go... and not constantly having to pull over. One other thing, dogs on the beach and fouling the paths... now that does need some looking at. Hope Borth gets the boost that it needs."

Carys from Aberystwyth sent this message:

"I think the artificial reef is a brilliant idea. I have to admit something will have to be done about the parking in Borth though - but go for it."

Seb from Aberystwyth thinks a 24 hour access marina would be a better alternative:

"I would be worried about the impact on longshore drift and its further impact on the mouth of the Dovey estuary, Ynyslas in particular. If you are going to build something artificial off Borth an alternative would be a 24 hour access Marina, something severely lacking in the middle of Cardigan Bay. Having a train station also makes it a good choice for such an idea, allowing landbound sailors a means of transport.The sheltered waters behind either a reef or marina would be a great safe environment for watersports teaching.I'm sure there are many other ideas that might be valid however my general inclination currently favours not doing anything, as this is the least invasive and likely to damage Ynyslas which is already straining from human impact."

Duncan from Machynlleth says a reef would bring several benefits:

"A curved artificial reef would make the waves stand up and straighten(great for surfers) and stop the drift of pebbles away from Borth where they are currently protecting the town. Also a side benefit would be a great nursery area for juvenile fish, crustaceans and other sea wildlife. So all round a great idea! I look forward to hearing if it is given the go ahead. Also to counter the 'safe bathing for others' - the waves would be breaking further out and the shore waters would therefore be calmer. That's the whole idea - protect Borth from the waves! Also as an economic boon - have you seen the ghostown of Borth through the winter? The swell will be there all year, cold weather doesn't put off surfers!"

Roman from Aberystwyth emailed us with this question regarding the reef:

"Borth is a weird ghost town but I love it. I've been surfing the slas and borf for a year and it does deliver...rarely. How would the reef change the environment and would it really have a big impact on wave size?"

Sam Fysh from Nottingham thinks the reef would provide a welcome boost to the Borth economy:

"I think an artificial reef would provide a welcome boost to Borth's Economy. I grew up in Borth in the late 70's and 80's so I know how much the village relies on tourism, so any extra can't hurt (I also remember how bleak but beautiful it was in the winter!!)."

Graham Hesp from Birmingham has this to say:

"With the Government and the Environment Agency now favouring natural erosion rather than building huge new costal defences, it is pleasing to hear of people applying some lateral thinking to the obvious problems at Borth.

However, a great deal of research will need to take place to consider the inevitable environmental impact upon Ynyslas and the Dovey Estuary. Work undertaken by private land owners further up the coast, between Barmouth and Morfa Dyffryn, have caused a frightening change to the nature of the beach and shoreline. Whilst I applaud the thinking behind the Borth reef, I fear that the impact elsewhere will unfortunately cause it to sink before they can surf."

Sue Dalton from Borth thinks everyone should be free to have their own opinion:

"Some odd responses here - particularly from Angharad from Llanidloes for criticising Anne from Warrington for loving Borth as it is and worrying that it might change. I live in Borth too and I am for the reef but for wildlife reasons and I don't think more surfers will be a bonus especially if many of them sleep in their cars or bring their own supplies. But why shouldn't Anne have a view about Borth - and why shouldn't I too - who much preferred the lovely Llandinam hills near Angharad's home before they were industrialised by windfarms."

Phil from Cannock echoes what Steve (below) has to say:

"If you build it, we will come! Go on, give us land-locked midlanders the chance of some surfing heaven within reasonable reach."

Steve from Shrewsbury says surfers would travel from afar if the development went ahead.

"Borth is such a big beach there is plenty of room for everyone. There are a lot of surfers traveling out from the Midlands searching for waves and right now they mostly go to Abersoch, the Gower or fight for space in Aber. We would love a quality break in such a beautiful spot. It's also much needed if the plans to develop Aber harbour go ahead. Get on with it!"

George Ellams from Pennal supports the reef at Borth :

"I think it would be great to have a reef at borth. What would be the effects on fishing in the estuary? How would this affect Aberdovey?"

Angharad Rees from Llanidloes agrees :

"Once again it makes me laugh that the only mail on here against the reef at Borth is from someone who doesn't live in the area. Quite the same as protest to wind farms come form people who don't live in the area just holiday here. I fully support the reef at Borth and think it will bring money into the area - something which is much needed!"

Anne Wells from Warrington raises several concerns about the proposals for an artificial reef.

"I have just become aware, through the Internet, of plans to create an artificial reef at Borth which could attract 'thousands of surfers'. We have enjoyed peaceful holidays at Borth for a number of years after initially living there for a year in 1974/5 while my husband did an MA at Aberystwyth.

I would question how Borth could possibly accommodate all these surfers both in terms of car parking, overnight accommodation and the congestion that they could cause to the one narrow street that serves the town. Also how would the new type of waves affect ordinary swimmers of all ages on what is a beautiful safe beach for bathing?

Delyth from Borth is all in favour of the reef:

"In my opinion I think it's a good idea. The local surfers will benefit from it and so will the wildlife in the waters. The local villagers will also have their strong opinion too. But mind you, everyone has a different opinion and different thoughts.

If Borth was turned into a surf mecca that would be great. Borth is already a tourist town and it will be even better if it was a surf mecca, because the holiday caravan sites and B+Bs etc. will also benefit. Great from all aspects! Bring on the Artificial Reef!"

Rich from Llandrindod - now living in the surf city of Sydney - emailed us to say:

"The idea of an artificial reef is quality, if not a little late. The term 'Mecca' could be a little premature but Mid Wales has explored the Xtreme/adventure sport scene and not surprisingly created itself a wicked reputation and increased tourism. Enjoy the Surf!"