“OUT of town stores are always going to be there – we have to be different, better.”

Those were the words of Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for economy, tourism and communities Councillor David Pugh at a Pembroke Dock regeneration meeting last Tuesday (September 13).

More than 30 people – including town councillors, businesses, organisations and residents – attended the public meeting at Pembroke Dock Town Council chamber.

It was the third regeneration meeting held with Pembrokeshire County Council head of regeneration Martin White and Cllr Pugh.

Cllr Pugh said there were a lot of positive things happening in the town, but things had “stalled” and needed a “kick start”.

“We seem to be playing catch up here and I think we need to move things on quickly,” he added, referring to the progress made by some of the other five towns in the regeneration scheme.

He called on attendees to put forward positive ideas – however “wacky” and “wild” – and come together as a town team to drive progress.

“Town councils, communities and organisations need to take ownership of the town and of regeneration,” Cllr Pugh said.

Suggestions from the floor included a Spirit of Enterprise business at the Old Spar store, a market, better signage, a tram and improvements to the boatyard on Front Street.

Big Local App owner Lee Griffiths talked about the potential for regeneration stemming from a big event, similar to Ironman Wales or Red Bull Cliff Diving.

“It’s having the ambition to go out there, saying this is what we are, this is what we want to do, saying this is our event,” he said.

“For me, that is how regeneration can start and ride off the back of something like that.”

He added: “It’s not about saying we are just Pembroke Dock, we don’t have a beach - let’s focus on what we do have.”

Heritage is also key to regeneration, Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust project manager John Evans said.

Speaking at the end of the meeting Cllr Pugh said: “Next year’s Bicentenary could be the thing that kick starts regeneration.

“I get the feeling you are on the cusp of doing something really well.”

A town team of 11 members will meet shortly to discuss the proposals.