Protest at traffic ban (From Western Telegraph)

Protest at traffic ban

The launch of Tenbys controversial traffic-free experiment has been heralded with a residents protest and a call to Pembrokeshire County Council for a re-think on the scheme.

Between noon and 4 pm, every day until the end of the month, all the town centre within the walls will be a pedestrian-only zone.

People who live and work inside the walls held up posters proclaiming: Welcome to Tenby, twinned with chaos as the ban began on Saturday. Many are aggrieved that not enough thought has been given to them, and that there has been a lack of consultation.

Said Richard Walker, chairman of Tenbys newly-formed Walled Town Residents Association: Most of our members are in favour of some sort of traffic management, but it shouldnt be at the cost of their liberty or their pocket. The association met Welsh Assembly Conservative transport spokesman David Davies on Monday, and has had a constructive meeting with county council transport chief Huw Roberts.

Welsh Assembly Conservative candidate David Thomas has now called on county council transport director Huw Roberts to review the scheme, which he says is quite unacceptable to the people of Tenby.

Police and council officers were on duty at both entrances to the walled town and reported no problems.

Saturday also saw the first day of a longer-term experiment to make White Lion Street one-way only from The Norton, which prevents traffic coming from the Warren Street and Greenhill Road directions from driving into the walled town.

A meeting to review the first week of pedestrianisation takes place at the De Valence Pavilion on Monday at 7.30 pm.

A helpline has been set up at the Tenby Tourist Information Centre, and can be contacted on (01834) 843203 between 10 am and 4 pm.

Authorisation forms for essential travel in and out of the walled town between noon and 4 pm are being issued from here.