Tourist industry workers in Tenby are being put off going to their employment by the cost of car parking in the resort, it is claimed.

Staff shortages in the sector have resulted in business closures in recent months, and one of the town's county councillors, Michael Williams, is now urging the authority to consider cutting car park costs for those working in the industry.

In a letter to Pembrokeshire County Council's head of streetcare, Marc Owen, he said: "As you are aware, the tourist industry has suffered this season from a chronic shortage of staff, and I am told that one issue is that staff travelling in to Tenby on a daily basis are deterred from carrying on their employment due to the cost of car parking in the vicinity.

"Many staff employed in this industry are on relatively low wages and this is a major deterrent to them continuing their employment.

"Tourism is our main industry in this area, and many businesses have had to close this year due to a shortage of staff.

"I would ask that PCC investigate introducing a reduced rate for staff who are employed in this industry, to enable businesses to continue.

"The situation this season has resulted in a huge loss of trade which will impact on the economic wellbeing of the area over an extended period."