One of Tenby's two county council representatives has slammed Pembrokeshire County Council over enhancement work in the town.
"Prior to Easter enhancement work commenced in the High Street, with an absolute assurance given that this part of the scheme would be completed before the Easter weekend," said Clr. Michael Williams in a letter to the authority's chief executive, Mr. Bryn Parry Jones, a copy of which was also sent to the Observer.
"Work ceased on the Thursday, and has yet to re-commence. We now approach the second Bank Holiday with the sea-front in a state of complete mess, with the half completed works being filled with litter, and holidaymakers lifting barriers out of the way to access seating," he explained.
"The architects section has been contacted by the town council to no avail, other than being informed that staff were on holiday. When will this work be completed?," he asked.
"It is yet another example of the ineptitude of this county council.
"Once again, we approach the holiday season with many parts of the town in a deplorable state of disrepair and lack of basic cleansing," he continued.
"I expect an urgent and positive response," he concluded.
'DISPARAGING REMARKS'
When the Observer contacted by the county council, Clr. Brian Hall, cabinet member for transport and environment, said it was regrettable that Clr. Williams had chosen to make such 'disparaging remarks'.
He explained: "Better progress was made than anticipated with the first phase of the scheme with the work extending as far as the junction with Crackwell Street. I think everyone is pleased that the new footway was open for Easter.
"It was always the council's intention for the contractor to stop work at Easter and resume with the remainder of the scheme in the autumn, after the summer season.
"Unfortunately there has been an unforeseen difficulty in obtaining matching stonework for a wall which has had to be built up adjacent to the seating area. However I am assured this work will be completed by today (Friday).
"The town council and other representative bodies in Tenby are being kept informed on the scheme's progress and the reaction to the work completed to date has been generally very positive.
"With an election looming, Clr. Williams obviously feels the need to grab the headlines with some cheap and unworthy comments about council staff."