Following growing concern about the number of A boards and other street obstructions in Tenby, Pembrokeshire County Council, Tenby Town Council and the town's Chamber of Trade and Tourism are working on a joint initiative to try to tackle the problem.

The county council's streetcare manager, Mr. Marc Owen, joined with town councillor Laurence Blackhall, chamber vice-chairman Jane Merrony and town clerk Andrew Davies last week for a walkabout around the town to look at the situation.

They visited every premises within the walled town that had A boards, tables and chairs and other items outside to discuss the matter and suggest alternatives that would keep the streets as clear as possible while still accommodating the needs of the businesses.

"We appreciate that trading is difficult in the current economic climate and that businesses are trying to maximise their footfall," said Clr. Blackhall.

"However, from the number of complaints the town and county councils receive, it was becoming apparent that the problems people, particularly the less abled, were having getting around the street was actually putting them off coming into town."

Clr. Blackhall went on to explain that, under legislation, the county council has the power to remove all A frames and other obstructions, but hoped that with the town working together with the local authority to achieve a satisfactory compromise they would not have to take such action.

"Walking around gave us the opportunity to talk to the businesses and explain what the difficulties were," Clr. Blackhall continued. "Not only was there the question of accessibility and public safety but, in some cases, as Jane, a shopkeeper herself, commented, the number of A boards outside the premises could actually detract from shop window displays the business operator had spent a great deal of time and effort on.

"We were very pleased with the positive reaction we received from business owners and also the positive comments we received about how much freer the streets looked without the obstructions."

Mr. Owen added: "I would like to thank the town council and the Chamber of Trade for the way in which the walkabout was conducted and also all the businesses for their positive feedback to try and resolve this matter."

Several follow-up visits are planned over the next few weeks, when they will also look at the situation outside of the walled town.

As part of the visit, Mr. Owen also addressed the issue of pedlars operating within the town centre, reminding them that they could only stay in the same location for 15 minutes and moving them on when necessary.