Enhancement and refurbishment works are set for Tenby’s new cemetery, with a focus on accessibility and aesthetic improvements.

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall told her fellow members at the most recent meeting of Tenby Town Council that she believed that there were opportunities to enhance new cemetery and undertake some much needed refurbishment works, after meeting with Clr Jayne Badham at the site.

“I should say that the works done at the Cemetery by Rhys and the Smart Gardens team and the work done by Rossiters is of the highest standard and done with the greatest of care and respect,” she said.

“We have the new area for internment of ashes being prepared. This will be a pleasant, discreet and contemplative space and we look forward to these works being finished.

“But there are further opportunities to enhance this important space. The temporary works, done by Morgan Construction to improve the path from Seascape has shown the value in enhancing that route.

“This is an important way through during the development at Brynhir and I think we should seek to go much further and develop a solid permanent path that is accessible for buggies, people with walkers and wheelchair users throughout the cemetery.”

She went onto say that there was the need for some minor tree works around that area to ensure space for an accessible path. She also felt as there was some soil erosion following cars parking on the grass at the entrance from Slippery Back, there was a need to see this entrance improved and kerbstones used to mark the area.

The gate entrances at both ends needed to be looked at to ensure that the area is as accessible as possible.

“The compound area has become quite overgrown and I think that clearing this and refencing will assist with the management of the site and I would propose some new work, over and above our existing maintenance contract, to tide the grass and road edging,” continued Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall.

She felt that guidance and discussions should be had with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Pembrokeshire County Council officers, along with Brynhir developers Morgan Construction.

Discussions also needed to be had with the Finance and Policy Group to identify resources that could be used in the coming year.

Cllr Badham agreed that the entrance was in a bad state, and that it was clearly visible where cars were mounting grass. She felt that a floral display would make the area more welcoming, which could become a beautiful area, for reflection.

She wanted to make it accessible for all, as parts were currently slippery and dangerous, and saw it as a ‘golden opportunity’ to make improvements.

Cllr Tara Carmody welcomed these plans, believing that the principal point was accessibility. She wondered if there was another group to consult with cemetery visitors, as there may be others who habitually visit cemetery to ensure wider wishes and needs are met.

Cllr Laurence Blackhall suggested a public consultation to ask what more the Town Council could be doing.