Opposition to proposed vehicle ban in resort (From Western Telegraph)

Opposition to proposed vehicle ban in resort

A six-week pedestrianisation experiment planned for Tenbys town centre this summer is being hotly opposed by traders and councillors.

The plan being put forward by Pembrokeshire County Council is suggesting banning traffic from the walled town between midday and 4 pm from July 22nd to August 31st.

The Tenby Commercial Ratepayers Association has been revived to fight the suggestion, and called a meeting in the town on Monday evening. And Tenby Town Council is urging the county council to put in the groundwork - such as improved car park signage - before even considering any traffic ban.

The proposal is contrary to the Joint Unitary Development Plan which only supports pedestrianisation schemes if they do not affect the vitality and viability of a town centre, Councillor Stuart Fecci said at last weeks town council meeting.

He reminded members of the county councils permit scheme for Tenby, which was discontinued after opposition from residents and traders.

And Councillor Mickey Folland recalled the Easter pedestrianisation experiment several years ago where a free for all resulted with traffic trying to get into the town centre.

If there had not been a policeman on duty at the junction of White Lion Street, then I am sure many fights would have broken out, he said.

And he felt that so many categories of motorists - including disabled drivers, security vehicles and those using the Harbour - would require access at all times, you may as well leave the town open to everyone. The cost of policing the scheme would be quite astronomical, he added. The mayor, Councillor Christine Brown, felt that pedestrianisation was a scheme for the future in Tenby, but not yet.

We need better car parking, better park and ride facilities and electronic signs, she commented. These things need to be prioritised before thinking about a pedestrianisation scheme.