Council's lack of action on obstructions 'totally unacceptable'

Tenby councillors have agreed that tougher ‘action’ is required from the Local Authority to clampdown on obstacles such as A-Frames and tables and chairs causing obstructions on public pavements throughout the seaside town.

Despite issues being highlighted ahead of the summer’s pedestrianisation scheme to Pembrokeshire County Council, many wheelchair and mobility scooter users have flagged-up the fact that nothing has been done to alleviate the matter, especially on areas such as St Georges Street and Upper Frog Street - both live roads with vehicles travelling through during the ‘traffic free’ scheme, which runs between the hours of 11 am and 5.30 pm each day.

The Observer was told by those expressing their frustrations ahead of the holiday season that the issue was nothing new - but had gotten completely out of hand, and most disconcerting for such people was that there seemed to be a complete lack of action or will from the Local Authority to take any control over the matter.

County councillor for the South Ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall who has campaigned for Tenby to become ‘Dementia Friendly’ stated: “This remains very frustrating. But my own frustration is nothing to that of the people who have to get around these obstacles.

“Both Cllr. Michael Williams and myself have made our feelings known on this issue and have requested that action be taken. I met with the Cabinet member (for Resident Services) Cllr. Rhys Sinnett and asked him to look again at this. He has said that they will review how this is managed.

“I will forward all evidence and information that is submitted, including personal accounts so that the extent of the problem is understood. I am continuing to report specific issues too on a regular basis.

“None of this provides a short term solution though and whilst PCC officers are still visiting premises, it seems that any request to move obstacles meets with short term action and is then subsequently ignored.

“We all agree that action is required but at the moment neither Cllr. Williams or I seem to be getting an acceptable response,” she added.

Despite PCC issuing a response on the matter back in June, ahead of the pedestrianisation period which began in July to coincide with the school holidays, which stated: “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and if there are instances of obstruction which are a concern for those with visual or mobility impairment, we will look at taking enforcement action” - the Local Authority confirmed this week that no enforcement has been carried out so far, despite numerous examples being highlighted around the town.

A spokesperson for PCC stated this week that they are ‘trying to work constructively’ with businesses on the matter.

“The Council recognises that many local businesses use A-Frames to advertise their goods and services, or want to put out tables and chairs.

“However, while understanding this, we are also keen to ensure A-Frames, tables and chairs avoid becoming a nuisance and hazard to highway users.

“Officers met last week with Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall and a representative of Tenby Town Council for an on-site visit regarding advertising A-Frames and footway obstruction, following concerns raised to us about the potential difficulty more vulnerable road users have.

“The visit was a follow up to ongoing conversations with elected members on this matter and continuing discussions with premises in the town.

“The visit took in key sites including Upper Frog Street and George Street.

“It was noted that previously reported obstructions had been removed in some instances following positive engagement with those businesses,” continued the spokesperson.

“Where A-Frames were still causing obstructions the premises was visited and the situation explained further.

“The Council thanks businesses for recognising the issues caused by obstruction of footpaths, particularly where this impacts those who are more vulnerable in our society, and working positively with the Authority on the issue.

“Enforcement is always considered a last resort. The Council will continue to monitor the situation in Tenby.”

County councillor for the North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams who described the scenario as an ‘eye-opener’ before the busy holiday season, believes that the County Council have once again, failed to deal with the matter effectively, with the current situation remaining ‘totally unacceptable’.

“I regret to have to say that this isn’t anywhere near enough,” he said.

“I recently described the situation particularly for those who are disabled or elderly as something approaching a slalom course.

“It’s hard to believe in Tenby that footpaths mean footpaths! The current situation remains totally unacceptable.

“I was invited by the late Mrs Hazel Cook of St Julian Street, who used a wheelchair, to accompany her on a walk around Tenby. An absolute eye-opener, and that was years ago, and the current level of obstructions are far worse. A priority must be those who are less able than many of us,” added Cllr Williams.