IN January more than 40 people turned out to discuss the future of Fishguard Market and Town Hall.

It was called in response to Pembrokeshire County Council’s review of its markets in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.

A report said they are ‘not profitable, when taking into account whole costs of management and future capital requirements,’ and some of the options being considered are selling or letting to a commercial market operator, moving the markets to a more appropriate premises and closure.

The meeting was organised by the Fishguard and Goodwick Community Forum, and was attended by Barry Cooke, head of properties at Pembrokeshire County Council and Sinead Henehan from regeneration department.

Since then, representatives of the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Team have gained useful information on the financial situation of the Town Hall, which they will present at a public meeting in the Market Hall on March 19 at 7pm.

On the evening there will also be an opportunity to hear about significant community regeneration initiatives in Cardigan from Cris Tomos of 4CG Cymru, and Ann Stokoe of Menter Aberteifi.

The Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, Councillor Richard Grosvenor said: “Experience shows that there are many community services that are best provided through the energy of local people, with Theatre Gwaun being a prime example.

“There are exciting opportunities for the community to develop the Town Hall into a vibrant centre for a range of business and cultural initiatives. The Community Forum, the Chamber of Trade and the Town Council, under the banner of the Town Team, urge local residents to come along on the 19th and help get things moving.”