On Monday evening in the De Valence Pavilion, the Tenby Walled Town Residents Association held a special meeting to discuss the impact of the first week of Pembrokeshire County Council's traffic ban in the walled town of Tenby between the hours of 12 noon and 4 pm.
Christine Gwyther AM who attended the meeting, told us: "Where there are clearly some very real benefits to be gained from a traffic-free Tenby, several residents at the meeting felt quite bewildered by the way in which Pembrokeshire County Council are handling the situation. It was reported that doctors were not able to drive into the walled town to visit their patients. If this is indeed the case, I would urge the council to review this ruling as a matter of urgency.
"A doctor, who was present at the meeting, told us of his fears that residents and visitors would, if they needed to get a family member to the Accident and Emergency department, choose not to use their car in case they were stopped and questioned, and simply dial 999 for an ambulance. This could have the disastrous consequence of diverting precious resources from other areas. I would ask that the council spell out to residents and visitors that they would not be stopped, in these emergency situations, from using their own car."
"Finally, the coxswain of Tenby Lifeboat was at the meeting, and shared his concern that lifeboat crew were not permitted to drive down White Lion Street to get to the harbour between 12 noon and 4 pm. In an emergency situation where every second counts, it cannot be right that the lifeboat crew should be prevented from getting to their lifeboat as quickly as possible. I would urge the council to revisit this situation before a tragedy occurs.
"There were many business concerns expressed at the meeting and I understand that the council is addressing these on a case by case basis. We will need to review the situation at the end of the four-week trial period and discuss the findings honestly. I am sure the council will be facilitating meetings to ensure this is done in an open and transparent way. Some residents who have disabilities, also spoke of their concerns with regard to access and these concerns must also be addressed.
"It was clear that opinion was split as to the need for a total traffic ban, but it was equally clear that residents and businesses are prepared to keep an open mind, provided that their concerns are addressed.
"We all want Tenby to look its best, and we all want visitors to enjoy their stay here. That will only be achieved by co-operation and by the county council listening carefully to the people who live and work in the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire."