Tenby is to pull out of the Wales in Bloom competition because of the sorry state of its streets and gardens.

Once classed as the best floral resort in the principality, and winner of its class in the prestigious contest on 13 occasions, Tenby is now more of a blooming disgrace, says town councillor Sue Lane.

Councillor (cllr) Lane - chairman of the Tenby in Bloom committee - has been on a town walkabout to follow the route the Wales in Bloom judge was due to take next month.

"We should be absolutely ashamed of ourselves," she told town councillors, as she showed them photographs taken along the way showing neglected benches and weeds flourishing in streets and gardens.

Although Pembrokeshire County Council is responsible for weed-spraying and street furniture maintenance, the town council runs its own gardens contract.

"I"m afraid the town council is the worst offender," claimed Cllr Lane. "The town is our responsibility and it is disgraceful."

Cllr Christine Brown felt that not all the blame should be put on the town council, as the situation with the county council contract was currently a difficult one and the current payment for services had not been received. It was also understood the authority would be taking back the contract in October, but nothing had been confirmed.

Added Cllr Lane: "Pembrokeshire County Council has got to give Tenby the attention it deserves and needs. We are meant to be the county's premier resort."

A county council spokesman confirmed that the authority will be taking over Tenby's gardens contract in October. "We are planning to form a multi-purpose maintenance team to look after gardens, street cleaning and street furniture in the Tenby area," he explained.

In the meantime, the town council's budget allocation was currently being sorted out, he added.