Proposals to set up a ‘community forum’ where local residents can liaise with the Town Council from time to time, have been welcomed by councillors.

In correspondence that came before the Town Council’s meeting this month (February 7), Tenby’s community engagement officer Anne Draper said that the ‘forum’ would give local residents a way of discussing and raising issues that they have ideas and suggestions for, where an informal discussion could be held about any issues that people who attend wish to discuss.

It would take place every other month and would be open for anyone to attend.

“Hopefully, it could be held in Augustus Place Community Hall and there might be funding to enable it to be accessible remotely as well, so that people could attend who weren't able to physically come to the venue,” explained Anne.

“It is not intended that the community forum make any decisions, just comment on things that the Town Council has discussed and put forward suggestions for further discussions.

“This would hopefully enable people to feel as if they were able to influence local decision making without actually having a particular issue that they wished to speak to the council about, in a more informal setting where only the action points and suggestions were recorded rather than detailed minutes.

“Also, people could find out whether an area of concern is part of the Town Council remit or the County Council, and they could find out who to contact, as well as it being passed on by the town to the county, and therefore would hopefully build up a better idea of where the different responsibilities lie.

“It could also be a place where possible community projects could be suggested and discussed, to get a general feel for the support or otherwise for them in the community.”

“Where people who feel strongly about an issue, then they could use it as a place to organise a small group and do something about it, i.e. organise regular litter picks, or look after a bit of park, or whatever,” she added.

Cllr Duncan Whitehurst said that he felt the community forum would be a great idea, and a way of keeping the council in touch with the people of Tenby.

“I’m sure that there will be some good news stories to hear about, as well as lively discussions at times,” he said.

Councillors confirmed that they were in favour of pursuing the idea.