A number of businesses in Tenby have expressed their concerns over the delay in re-opening Crackwell Street, with frustration aimed at Pembrokeshire County Council over what has been labelled a ‘shambles’ by traders and residents across the seaside town.

Last month, Pembrokeshire County Council called for an ‘accelerated programme’ for works to be completed on a property at Tenby’s Crackwell Street, which has seen the road closed to traffic for the past three months.

It was announced at the start of March by the Local Authority that Crackwell Street [also known as ‘Back Hill’ - which overlooks the town’s harbour] was expected to be closed for considerable more time than expected, after ‘significant’ structural issues were identified to a property.

The Road Traffic Order has been necessary so that property maintenance works to Goscar House can be carried out.

A provisonal re-opening date of Friday, June 12 was given by the Local Authority, but that now seems unikely.

After meeting with several business owners this week, County Councillor for Tenby’s North Ward has asked Pembrokeshire Council’s public realm manager Marc Owen for an urgent update.

“A number of businesses in the town are becoming very concerned about the ongoing situation in Crackwell Street and the lack of visible progress being made,” stated Cllr Williams.

“There is a strong perception that the owner of the property or their contractors are making little effort to address the road closure and are causing major traffic issues which reverberate as far as the Gatehouse corner and St Georges Street.

“A major concern is the imminence of the pedestrianisation scheme which comes ever closer.

“A failure to achieve an opening of this highway by June 12th should result in legal action.”

A planned road closure (authorised by Pembrokeshire County Council) for the fishing auction outside the Hope and Anchor this Sunday, has now seemingly been scrapped, in light of the fact that a two-way traffic order on Crackwell Street, under temporary traffic light control, to enable access to properties in the Harbour area, cannot be put in place.

The temporary road closure was planned to be in place from 4.30 to 9.30pm for the centre of Tenby, taking in Tudor Square and St Julians Street – from its junction with Church Street to its junction with Bridge Street, this Sunday, June 14.

The organisers of the event will now have a traffic management system in place for motorists, to allow residents/householders access to the harbour area/St Julians Street, where needed.

Indeed the finishing line for the Carten - Cardiff to Tenby charity bike ride had to be moved last month to the Salterns, due to the closure on Crackwell Street, meaning that a temporary road closure for Tudor Square and High Street couldn’t be implemented for the long-running cycling event.

“Currently the works are due to be completed on the 12th June – however, the Local Authority has now asked for an accelerated programme,” Public Realm Manager at Pembrokeshire County Council, Marc Owen explained in a response to concerns raised last month.

Cllr Williams raised further concerns about the lengthy road closure to PCC, as well last month, stating: “Tenby Sailing Club are very concerned about the implications of this ongoing closure on events that they have arranged for the coming season.

“Various rumours abound as to how long this closure will be in place for and an urgent clarification is needed.”

The annual summer Pedestrianisation scheme for the Walled Town of Tenby cannot also operate without the introduction of two-way traffic along Crackwell Street, ensuring vehicular access to the harbour area.

The scheme is due to start on July 6 and finish on September 11 and run between 11am and 5.30pm each day.

Pembrokeshire Council have been contacted for an update...