The Mayor of Tenby has stated that a collective commitment is required to ensure that a new school in the town is provided with sufficient equipment.

Local councillors recently voiced their concerns after hearing that, despite an £8.4 million investment in Tenby’s primary education, shared between Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government as part of a a ‘21st century’ schools programme, the newly-built Tenby Church in Wales Primary School, on Heywood Lane, had been left without essential equipment and furniture since its opening in September.

Correspondence from the head of the school, Mr. John Palmer, which came before members at their last meeting, stated that the facility faced a ‘significant financial challenge’ as it tried to build on the ‘blank canvas’ that had been provided, listing a number of features, such as outdoor play and PE equipment, furniture, and up-to-date IT technology, which the new school was left lacking.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, told members that he had visited the school last week, along with the other new facility on Heywood Lane, Ysgol Hafan y Môr.

“I had a positive two hours with the head, Mr. Palmer, and he was very positive about having the new building and developing that, and I’m confident that a fantastic appointment has been made there,” he commented.

“It’s a fabulous school, with fabulous teaching staff and leadership.

“There is, however, a serious outstanding issue, which anybody who has worked in education can see, in that there are serious flaws in the way the facility has been designed.

“A number of things should have been done as part of the original programme, and the challenge now is to put that right.

“We have to do something about this collectively, and while Tenby can do its bit, ultimately it’s the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“I think a commitment from all sides is needed to iron out the difficulties,” continued Clr. Blackhall, adding that he had referred the matter to the county council’s chief executive, Ian Westley, who was due to visit the school next week.

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter said it was “very distressing” to hear the issues concerning equipment that hadn’t been fulfilled by Pembrokeshire County Council.

“We all have an interest in the new schools, whether it be through our children or grandchildren. It’s very poor business management to hear the facility has come unstuck with a lack of equipment.

“Maybe the £80,000 budget spent on the digital VMS road sign into Tenby, which I think has been used three times, could have been better spent elsewhere!” she remarked.