Sir,

In the five decades that I've read the Tenby Observer, I cannot recall a more provocative front page than 'Tenby needs to open its eyes', giving prominence to the views of a Darren Webb on the development of St. Catherine's Island.

This person from Bicester, (pronounced Bister), knows all about Tenby people - who oppose change through prejudice, are ignorant, fear renewal and go through life with closed eyes. In this a general insult to the townspeople or does he mean Tenby Town Council, the Civic Society, the Chamber of Trade, the National Parks or Tenby Museum?

He seriously does no service to the many among us who do wish the fort to be a worthy visitor attraction, or himself in support of a cagey developer.

For 40-odd years Tenby has seen the fort left to wind and rain, its windows broken and insecure, its doors ripped off. The owner couldn't even be bothered to erect a flagpole and fly a Union Jack to make it attractive, even if closed. So please don't tell us that 'Tenby has neglected its iconic landmark,' or that we are 'selfish' because we caused and desire a 'pictureque ruin'.

The published plans of this latest developer do not add up. Originally a bridge was proposed from the Castle Hill which would cost millions to build and maintain, even if the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority allowed it. Now there is no bridge, but extensive internal redevelopment; though two-thirds of the space created was unaccounted for.

Tenby Town Council therefore sent these plans back requiring clarification. However, we were promised a tea shop, historical notes, star gazing and the sound of passing Caldey boats in the absence of singing whales. Also 'walks' around this fissured site, which would cause cormorants to flee and insurance companies to flock.

An example for the fort's development can be seen on Chapel Bay in Angle. Here the sympathetic renovation pays consideration to the purpose and life of the man who manned it, and provides an engaging experience for those who visit. St. Catherine's Fort has far more potential, both in size and aspect, allowing a low water walk up at a reasonable price to able bodied people.

St. Catherine's was one of Lord Palmerston's Follies. Darren Webb's folly is to presume that he knows better.

Clr. Will Rossiter,

Tenby.