PROPOSALS to film footage of a major movie in Pembroke could be a golden opportunity for the town as long as disruption to traders is minimised, Pembroke Town Council heard.

Discussions are ongoing with Pinewood Studios to use the town for location filming for what is believed to be a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film production of British writer Jojo Moyes’ smash hit bestselling romantic novel, Me Before You.

The filming could see disruption, or even closure of the town’s Main Street during several dates in May.

Speaking at the town council’s February meeting, Clerk Suzie Thomas said the filming would involve up to 60 people.

“They are not 100 per cent certain that they will be closing the road as yet, they are still looking into it.”

Councillor Keith Nicholas expressed concerns that the town’s chamber of trade hadn’t been contacted about possible road closures.

“There’s a lot of scared traders out there. All I’m asking is we do not support this until such a time that discussions have taken place with the chamber of trade.”

Councillor Clive Collins said: “I think we should stress that any closures should be kept to a bare minimum.”

Councillor Linda Asman felt the county council needed to do its part.

“I would suggest that the county council clean up their clock tower; it will reflect badly on them.”

Councillor John Harvey said: “I do feel a big company coming to town will benefit the town in terms of an increased footfall coming into the town.”

He suggested filming on a Sunday would cause the least disruption.

Councillor Johnathan Nutting said: “This is a great thing for Pembroke but we need to protect our traders; actually it could be really a golden thing for Pembroke, people saying: ‘That’s not a bad sight, let’s have a look at Pembroke’.”

He added: “This is going to be a major film; Pembroke is going to be showcased, let’s not have it looking shabby.”

The town council is hoping to arrange a meeting with traders.