THE future of four Pembrokeshire markets are to be examined, it has been revealed.

Pembrokeshire County Council operates markets at Haverfordwest, Tenby, Fishguard and Pembroke Dock but a report to Monday’s meeting of Cabinet recommends a detailed review of the future options for the markets.

Among the options to be considered is the sale of the facilities or the potential closure of the markets.

The report says: “The current financial position in respect of the markets is that overall they are not profitable, when taking into account whole costs of management and future capital requirements.”

The report says that the provision of markets is a discretionary function, and adds: “The relatively modest size of the facilities limits the ability to generate significant socio-economic benefits for the county. Futhermore, there is no capacity being created for future investment into developing and improving the facilities.”

The report recommends a review with several options to be considered.

They include sale to a commercial market operator; letting of entire unit to commercial market operator; letting to third sector/tenant consortium; retention by the council; reprovision in ‘more appropriate premises; closure.

The report says the review would involve consultation ‘with a variety stakeholders and will seek to establish whether sustainable business solutions can be developed for markets in the county.’

The Cabinet meets at County Hall at 10am on Monday (December 2).