With the First Minister stating that second home owners in Wales could be ordered to leave their properties under ‘draconian’ measures adopted by the Welsh Government during the COVID-19 lockdown, two local county councillors have urged the authority to act ‘urgently and decisively’ to protect public health.

In correspondence to Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clr. Michael Williams who represents Tenby’s North ward and Clr. Jon Preston who represents the Penally ward as well as Gumfreston and St. Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) have backed measures that could see police authorities be given the powers to remove people occupying second homes and order them to return to their permanent place of residence.

Both Clr. Williams and Clr. Preston also called for the Government to increase what they call a ‘derisory fine’ of £60 (which if paid within a certain period is £30) to at least a thousand pounds for those breaking rules on ‘non-essential’ travel.

Mr. Drakeford stated over the weekend that there were ‘ongoing discussions’ with the police and local authorities about further ways of clamping down on the use of second homes and people travelling to properties that were not their ‘primary residence’.

Speaking on the BBC’s Politics Wales programme, the First Minister said that there were human rights and legal issues that required thinking through, if police authorities were given the ability to ‘forcibly’ remove those occupying second homes.

“If you are going to say to people who are in their own homes that they can be forcibly removed and sent away there are human rights and legal issues and we have to be sure we have thought through,” commented Mr. Drakeford.

“We have been talking to the police about the enforcement issues they would face and they in turn believe the local authorities have to be involved because it is the local authorities who know which homes are occupied on a second-home basis. We are going to work on that further."

“It is a very draconian step indeed to say to people who are occupying a place they themselves own, of which a couple of months ago you would have been astonished to hear a Government say, that you could forcibly remove them," he said.

“If we are going to get to that position we have got to do it and be confident that the law is secure under our feet, that it is a proportionate thing to do and we can enforce it if we do decide to do it,” he continued.

Clr. Williams stated over the weekend that one report from one store in Tenby, said that between 11a m to 1 pm that day that they had ‘served 30 strangers’.

“In their business they know who locals are. The person who had to deal with them’s wife is an ICU Nurse. He was not happy!” he told the Observer.

“Hywel Dda is reporting new cases in the area, yet still the visitors arrive!” continued Clr. Williams.

In his letter to Mr. Drakeford, Clr. Williams said: “We are seeing more and more occupying their properties despite the efforts of the police, and this must be stopped.

“Police officers have expressed their frustration that once the owners are in occupation there is nothing they can do. I have a genuine fear that individuals are becoming extremely frustrated at what is perceived as a lack of willingness to address this matter, and this from those who are taking their own responsibilities seriously despite considerable personal disruption and anguish.

“I read that you are considering taking powers that would enable you to order second home owners to leave and return home. I urge you to do so urgently.

“I understand a reluctance to bring in what are quite draconian powers, but I am convinced that at this time these powers are urgently needed due to the stupid arrogance of these individuals, in what is a national emergency!” added Clr. Williams, with Clr. Preston backing those views.

“I ask that you use what ever protocol you have at you disposal and ensure these individuals who have paid little to no attention to the health and wellbeing of others to return to their main residence without any further delay,” stated Clr. Preston in correspondence to the First Minister.

“The current penalty for unnecessary travel is all but pointless, many are willing to pay £60 to travel and have the means to do so.

“This is a national emergency where lives are at stake. We need strong decisive leadership to navigate our way through this pandemic and we should be doing everything within our power to preserve life.

“The police have been successful in intercepting a significant amount of ‘Covid-19 tourists’ but they can only do so much. I represent a community who have been unable to leave home, see grandparents, grandchildren and other family members since lockdown.

“However, there seems to be a reluctance by some to accept the government restrictions and have travelled to Pembrokeshire to enjoy an extended holiday.

“We must act decisively and with intent to protect public health in Wales,” added Clr. Preston.