Sir,

It was encouraging to see the exhibition and read the National Park Authority's draft proposals for Tenby Conservation Area last week. Tenby is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the combination of natural and man-made beauty on earth and the Park's report records this in some detail.

I have watched the town's historic fabric disappear over the past 50 years and this erosion is rapidly increasing. Within the last three days, for example, I have witnessed two house-worths of wooden sash windows and two skiploads of limestone walling removed from within the town's core. Daily we see iron railings, ancient lime rendering, old paving, fine shop fronts and Georgian doors consigned to the tips. I wonder what is to replace the loss?

Whilst the big picture - the key postcard views - will undoubtedly be protected. It is the detail that could be lost to the future. The very thing that our valuable visitors come to see will be nothing but a Disneyworld of PVC and fake Victorian theme park shop fronts. Our children will witness their town's history only through the exhibitions in the museum and old photographs published in the Observer. The real evidence of Tenby's colourful history will be gone.

Let us hope that the tide will change and our townspeople and developers consider the long term consequences of their so-called enhancements. There are some excellent building contractors in Pembrokeshire - the skills are there, if only their customers find the will to care and desire for excellence.

The National Park offers free advice and even grants to those considering repairs and improvements. I urge Tenby to co-operate with them and halt the irreversible trend for demolition of its fabulous architectural features.

Murray John RIBA,

2 Olive Buildings,

St. Mary's Street,

Tenby.