First I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the residents of Tenby a happy new year and may the best of 2007 be the worst of 2008 for you all. On a personal note, I would like to express my sincere appreciation of the efforts of my fellows councillors, local organisations and various individuals for their support during my tenure in office so far and my earnest hope that this support will continue in the new year. In 2007, I fear that the weather was not as kind to Tenby as it might have been, but as always, it might have been worse. It is, therefore, important that we all continue to strive to make Tenby an attractive venue for visitors on a year round basis. The town council will continue to support local organisations in the staging of events in the town and encourage the introduction of new attractions. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Tenby in Bloom committee, the Pembrokeshire County Council and the good people of Tenby, the town retained its Wales in Bloom title, marking a phenomenal 23rd success in the nationwide competition. However, we cannot rest on our laurels and plans are in hand for further enhancement schemes. During the year, the Tenby Round Tablers once again staged two Tenby Spectaculars, while other events like the Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions Club Paella Night, Tenby Arts Festival, Tenby Blues Festival, Summer Carnival and the new Tenby Winter Carnival Week proved to be successful attractions for Tenby. Hopefully, these events will continue to grow and flourish, and next year, as an added attraction, Tenby will stage the National Town Crier Competition. On a more personal and parochial level, there has been some improvement to the appearance of Tenby Railway Station and now with the involvement of Greenhill School's Environmental Club, it is hoped that more substantive assistance can by obtained from the railway companies. The petition to the Pembrokeshire County Country regarding the provision of public toilets within the town, which was supported by Mr. Nick Ainger MP and Ms. Angela Burns AM, was sympathetically received by Pembrokeshire County Council, who will now undertake a review of the situation. Hopefully, this review will be positive in outcome. In addition, plans are now well advanced for the creation of a toddler play area on the Jubilee and for the enhancement of The Green to make it a more attractive portal to Tenby. May 2008 will see the local government elections and there may well be some new faces on the town council with new ideas for the future of Tenby. Whatever the outcome of the election, residents can be assured that their unsalaried, elected representatives on the town council will continue to serve the best interests of Tenby as a whole. Long may Tenby flourish!
