Tenby Town Council is to write to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority with their views regarding the future of the Royal Gatehouse Hotel site, after forming a working party and holding a meeting to discuss the matter. The report of the meeting was brought before town councillors at a full meeting of the town council on Tuesday. In the report, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said that she had received a lot of feedback from local people who wanted to see the building - destroyed in an Easter Bank Holiday blaze - reinstated as a hotel. It was felt that such a premier site should not be given over to flats which could remain unoccupied for a lot of the year. She also said that again local feeling was that people wanted the building rebuilt as it was to maintain the streetscape. Councillors agreed that they would not be adverse to a new design, but wanted it to be sympathetic and in keeping with its surroundings. With regards to the cinema, Clr. Mike Thorne pointed out that it was a listed building and said Cadw wished to see it retained as a working cinema which was viewed as an important tourist facility. As a result of the working party meeting, councillors also called for the footpath on the landward side of The Norton to be reopened as soon as possible. They were also unhappy with the present hoarding which they felt looked temporary and unsightly. Given the length of time for likely development, they wished to see a more permanent solution with tastefully designed paintings. At this week's town council meeting, councillors discussed correspondence from Tenby Chamber of Trade and Tourism which was brought before them and agreed to forward their views to them as well. "After reading their comments, it seems that we are all fighting for the same outcome," said Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane. Clr. Paul Rapi thanked Clrs. Mrs. Christine Brown and Mike Thorne for their work in formulating the council's views. "It's a step forward and makes sure that pressure is kept on the situation, while allowing us to keep a close eye on developments," he remarked.
