Suggestions that Tenby Arts Festival's bunting be put up in the resort throughout the summer period were given the thumbs down by Tenby Town Council this week

Mrs. Audrey Atkinson, secretary of the festival committee wrote to the council explaining that the committee had recently discussed the problems of erecting the bunting for Arts Festival week in September.

They felt that bunting could be used for longer than the week and wondered if the council would consider erecting it to be on display for the whole summer period.

They felt this job could be done by the council's workforce when erecting hanging baskets around the town.

Clr. Mickey Folland said he did not see anything wrong with the request, but felt that permission would have to be sought from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

"They may allow bunting for a week-long festival, but the whole of the summer is a different story," he opined.

Clr. Folland also added that there were insurance implications involved as it had to be ensured that the bunting was secure and could not fall down, a point Clr. Stuart Fecci concurred with.

"Our council workforce do put up hanging baskets, it's true," he said. "But we are only talking about eight feet, which can easily be reached with steps.

"In the case of bunting you are talking of a greater height, as it has to allow clearance for large vehicles.

"What you are talking about here is Christmas lights height, which would involve a cherry-picker and two men. This would cost us money."

Clr. Trevor Hallett felt that bunting would "lose its display value" if erected for a longer period.

"Exposed to the elements for a longer period of time, they would soon start to look tatty, and then who would be responsible for their replacement," he asked.

The Mayor. Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, agreed.

"I've seen flags and bunting up in other towns and villages all year round and it starts to look tatty if it's there too long," she commented.

"I understand it's a bit of a bind putting it up and taking it down for just one week, but that's all part of the festival."

Clr. Folland admitted that he had not taken into account the deterioration of the flags in initially voicing his support.

"I agree that they would deteriorate too quickly if left in situ and I feel we should not support this request," he said.