It may be closed for functions and events, but the De Valence Pavilion is still costing Tenby Town Council thousands of pounds, it was revealed. this week.

Concern over the huge expense being incurred by the council was expressed by Clr. Mike Evans at their meeting on Tuesday night.

During a discussion on their accounts for October, Clr. Evans queried the figure for electrical work that had been carried out at the pavilion during the month, cost of which totalled nearly £3,000.

"This council is incurring a great expense for having an office in what is effectively an empty building," he claimed. "With rates, insurance, gas and electricity bills, we're racking up thousands of pounds."

The town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, told members that the costs were for the annual electrical circuitry safety test, to ensure that all fixed electrical installations at the building met with safety standards.

The De Valence has been closed for public functions since July, following the decision by the De Valence Trust to enter into voluntary liquidation, meaning that the building in Upper Frog Street reverted back to the town council, who still run their office from the facility and hold meetings in the building's Mayor's Parlour.

It was then announced in August that tenders of interest were being invited to take over the former arts and entertainment venue, either on a leasehold or freehold basis, to run the facility.

Councillors discussed further matters relating to the De Valence in private later in their meeting on Tuesday.

"The De Valence has had several expressions of interest which are now being progressed to formal proposals," commented the town clerk following the meeting.