A local county councillor raised concerns this week over issues regarding drunken behaviour frequently spilling onto the streets of Tenby, leading to families and holidaymakers being put off from visiting the resort's town centre.

Clr. Michael Williams made his feelings known on the matter in correspondence to Pembrokeshire County Council licensing officer, Sarah Oliver.

"The atmosphere in town, even at 6 pm, on a Friday or Saturday is at the least threatening and on Saturday I saw families seeking refuge in shops to avoid drunks in St. Georges Street," wrote Clr. Williams.

"I'm concerned that it appears the local supermarkets and others are selling large amounts of alcohol to people particularly on weekends.

"It is also obvious that some licensed premises are selling alcohol to customers who are already inebriated. There is, I'm afraid, a major problem in the town, which must be addressed," continued Clr. Williams, who said that Tenby was currently suffering from a "chronic lack of police officers" on its streets, and that the situation appears to have deteriorated since last summer.

"I fear that families are now avoiding the town centre at weekends due to drunken behaviour.

"It is the responsibility of the Licensing Authority together with the Police to ensure a safe environment. Currently both are failing.

"I would ask that together there is a co-ordinated effort to retrieve the situation. It would seem that we are slipping back to the worst days when we attracted hen and stag parties. This must not be permitted," stressed Clr. Williams, who also asked that the licensing team clarify what the law was relating to drinking alcohol on the streets, as it now seemed to be commonplace to see alcohol being consumed outside certain public houses.