The issue of high business rates in Tenby was back on the agenda at a meeting of the town council this week, with councillors keen to invite members of the local Chamber of Trade and Tourism into discussions on the matter.

The matter came up at Tuesday night's meeting of the council after local hotelier Graham Fry had contacted the town clerk to say that he had seen a story in the local press regarding small business owners in Cardigan who were successful in saving thousands of pounds on their rates bills thanks to a campaign set up by the Cardigan and District Chamber of Commerce.

The total saved following an appeal set up by the organisation in Cardigan against new valuations was just under £83,000, with up to 27 traders benefiting from the scheme, which was launched more than two years ago.

Town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, told councillors that they had previously discussed the matter, but had left it with the Tenby Chamber of Trade to work on, and the subject of claiming rate relief had gone quiet.

Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said, however, that she didn't think the Chamber of Trade were in any current discussions on the matter and that the town council were not involved in any if they were.

Her colleague, Clr. Tony Brown, felt it was an issue that the town council should look at again though.

"If it's in the best interests of the town, then it's in our best interests. If businesses in the town keep going the same way, then that would be the end of it, so it would be worthwhile inviting the Chamber of Trade into discussions again, as trying to sort out the matter seems to have stalled," he said.

Clr. Lawrence Blackhall agreed and said that the rates issue had been highlighted for a number of years and perhaps it was time again to sit around the table and enter discussions on the topic.

"If we can discuss ideas on how to try and get rates reduced in the town for businesses, then the more ideas that are brought to the table the better," he commented, with his colleague Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter agreeing.

"What affects our businesses affects our town. What Clr. Blackhall has suggested is the right way forward. For us not to try and do anything and say we'll leave it to someone else, is wrong," she remarked.