Sir,
Which ludicrous and antediluvian piece of legislative bureaucracy classes a horse and carriage in the same category as motorised vehicles. And what a silly situation to be in, having to move a much-loved and financially viable horse and carriage business due to double yellow lines.
In the past letters to the Observer, I have expressed the view that Tenby town centre should be permanently pedestrianised, for many reasons, not least for the safety of pedestrians when huge wagons drive along Upper Frog Street squashing people on foot close to the market place walls for protection; also due to the folly of trying to organise 21st century traffic around a medieval grid pattern of streets. Of course, there would be obvious exceptions, such as the emergency services, permits for residents living within the historic town walls and disabled access.
I see that Tesco's deliveries come very early in the morning, sometimes as early as 7 am. Why can't more businesses follow this example so that year-round the town centre can be safe and more attractive for visitors and much-needed shoppers.
Mister Ed and Major Tom attract much visitor attention in their traditional, central location in Tudor Square, just what the local economy needs whilst in the grip of the current recession. Permanent pedestrianisation would largely obviate the need for double yellow lines.
I'm glad that Clrs. Hallet and Blackhall seem sympathetically and favourably inclined to 'Mister Ed's cause' and, on a lighter note, wonder if Clr. Blackhall or the reporter are aware of having made a pun in hoping that "enforcement officers wouldn't 'nag' Mister Ed too much to move on." I hope there is no insinuation intended regarding the horse being an 'old nag'!
Ruthie Alton,
Tenby.