Sir,
Since Stephen Williams's letter in last week's Observer, I have been trying to visualise his concept for the regeneration of Tenby's tourist industry. What do I see - a glass-domed restaurant atop our historic fort on St. Catherine's Island (maybe the latest revolving type?), children running about on the cliff top dressed as Owain Glyndwr or engaged in mock battles across the rickety bridge, cable cars whizzing backwards and forwards to Castle Hill, cruise ships docking and disgorging hundreds of passengers from around the world to sample the delights of our town (will they find a toilet open, I wonder). Won't it all be fun?! No, this vision of the future appalls me. Doubtless, Mr. Williams's motives are laudable in that he is seeking to put Tenby on the world map, but at what cost? We are so fortunate to live in an area of extreme natural beauty, and that is the main reason why visitors return year after year, children to play on our soft sandy beaches and paddle in our clean waters and adults to enjoy unsurpassed vistas from the Norton, Castle Hill and the Esplanade etc. St. Catherine's Island and fort have been one of our most prominent landmarks for generations and the focal point for scores of family photographs, videos, postcards and paintings. To destroy that beautiful panorama by erecting some garish modern monstrosity defies common sense. The old fort has been and will continue to be the subject of much interest and speculation on the part of most new visitors to our town. It is a building of history and mystery, attracting the gaze and attention of anyone viewing it. Its charm lies in its unattainability - once accessible to all and sundry the spell will be broken. Let it remain unspoilt, dark and mysterious. Exciting though Mr. Williams's ideas may sound, is he seriously suggesting that a comparatively small themed exhibition telling 'the story of Wales' will draw in visitors to Tenby from around the world? They are more likely to visit Cardiff for a real educational visit. However, Mr Williams's ideas for a high tech 'edutainment' centre in Tenby do have some merit. If the cinema is as unpopular as Mr. Williams has led us to believe, then why not adapt it internally in the way he suggests and have this theme park there? After all, the building is already established as an entertainment centre. Of more concern to me is the safety aspect of St. Catherine's Island in its current state. I have already observed several young males disregarding the 'Danger' and 'No admittance' notices and climbing up to the fort, on the way performing dangerous acrobatics to negotiate the barrier across the connecting bridge. One day someone will fall to the rocks below, with dire consequences. It is a very foolhardy practice, and where adults go, children try to follow. The island needs to be sealed off more effectively as a matter of urgency, possibly by removing the bridge altogether. It may save lives.
Janice Gryckiewicz,
Tenby.