Sir,

I would just like to correct a misconception raised by Clr. Wynne Evans in the Observer published on February 25, where he stated that he has initiated recommendations for changes to the parking arrangements to High Street, Narberth.

Sadly, the Chamber of Trade had pre-empted him by some weeks.

The chamber had requested a meeting with Mr. Daren Thomas (head of highways and construction). We subsequently met on February 1 (the day that the new CPE came into effect).

At the meeting, the following proposals were put forward to Mr. Thomas for consideration:

1) That the existing three bay one hour parking bay adjacent to the Carreg and Nat West Bank (No 32 to 34 ) be re-designated as a 'Loading Bay' during the normal working day, 8-6 Monday to Friday.

2) That the current single yellow line restriction on the west side of High Street between Numbers 34 to 40 be replaced with an half hour limited parking availability between 8-6, Monday to Saturday.

The reasons being for suggestion 1: That large articulated lorries would be able to park and unload in the widest part of High Street and within reasonable distance to the delivery points. For example, Costcutter/Spa/Next Door florist/Wisebuys etc. Thus removing the current potentially hazardous situation when poorly parked cars can block High Street.

For suggestion 2: By having a very limited parking time of half-an-hour, shoppers and visitors would be able to be able to make short stops for essential purchases - like papers/milk/stamps etc. Our visitors would be able to enjoy impulse stopping for impulse shopping.

As the great majority of stopping vehicles would be cars, there should be a reduction in the High Street traffic jams, thus improving the traffic flow and not hindering the emergency services.

A letter to Mr. Thomas with the above recommendations dated February 2 was sent, with copies to Narberth Town Council, Clr. Elwyn Morse and to Clr. Wynne Evans.

The chamber is at a loss to understand Clr. Evans's statement that "As yet I have still not received a response from the Chamber of Trade to see if they would support me on this." As the chamber had originally initiated the proposals with the county council, I fail to understand his comment.

At least the councillor would now seem to be on our side on this subject, for a change!

Gordon Barry,

Secretary,

Narberth Chamber of Trade.