Sir,
It is with cautious optimism that I read the headline report 'New vision unveiled for Tenby town centre' in last week's Observer. I believe that I speak on behalf of the majority of Tenby residents when I say that the facade of the buildings that front onto the Norton, namely the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, Milford House and Kent House have been left to deteriorate into an absolutely disgraceful condition.
One wonders as to how this has been allowed to happen, and why nothing has been done about it for such a long period of time.
I believe that over the many years that I have lived in Tenby that the character and 'feel' of the town has been maintained by what could be regarded as a lack of development. This, in my opinion, is not a bad thing and there is a certain uniqueness about the town that brings people to visit Tenby year upon year. It is highly embarrassing, however, that as the throngs of people make their way up from the Butts Field Car and Coach Park to the town centre, they have to pass the utterly deplorable sight of the aforementioned buildings. It is certainly not a good advertisement for the town.
So yes, it is with great interest that I read the report that also encompasses other properties within the town, and believe that something should have been done to the respective building years ago. I hope and trust that all developments will be closely scrutinised by the National Park's planning departments, and anticipate that the approved building designs will be a great deal more in fitting with existing architecture, rather than the featureless block of flats with shops underneath as depicted in the White Lion Street artist's impression.
Andrew Griffiths, Tenby.