Sir,
On August 22, an international firm of management consultants employed by Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, began sending letters to 'interested parties' about (ostensibly) 'Tenby Park and Ride' arrangements for next year, possibly operating from New Hedges.
They are selectively seeking views on 'local issues and constraints' (a euphemism for pedestrianisation?) and concluded with, 'we are working to a tight timescale and thus a reply within three weeks from the date of this letter would be greatly appreciated.'
Does this mean that if the county council haven't received such views by September 12 (i.e. Thursday of next week), then they'll feel they have their mandate to press ahead with their plans for next year before we've had a chance to make representations about this year?
We know from recent previous experience that the county council interprets 'consultation' very differently from most of us, but is there now the added worry that, with the meter ticking on the management consultants' fee, there will be a rush to judgement?
Richard Walker,
Chairman,
Tenby Walled Town
Residents' Association.