Town councillors met with Pembrokeshire County Council's head of quality regeneration and tourism this week to discuss funding plans for a proposed low water landing stage for Tenby.

The scheme was announced in April as one of various projects that would take place in Pembrokeshire as part of a £17.5m Welsh Assembly Government initiative to improve visitors' experience of Wales' unique coastline.

The project would see the construction of a new low water landing stage at Castle Beach to replace the existing facility which is at the end of its useful life, with the proposed new facility comprising of a fixed lift and stairs to a pivoted bridge structure leading to floating pontoons.

It would become the main landing stage for boat trips to Caldey Island, and could also accommodate other trips, for instance sea angling or even charter trips to places further afield.

The county council's head of quality regeneration and tourism, Mrs. Jane Gibson, told town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night that Tenby desperately needed the new facility to boost tourism in the area and it was vital that the funding available was used for the project.

"Tenby really needs a vision and a low water landing facility that can be used all year round," said Mrs. Gibson, explaining that she had up-and-coming meetings with harbour users and local boat owners along with the management team on Caldey Island to discuss the project.

Clr. Mike Evans said that the facility wouldn't be exclusive to Caldey trips, but would open up the chance for cruise liners and touring mariners that came in from Milford Haven to come to Tenby.

"It's paramount that we have this new facility, the community needs it and it would also give Tenby closer links to Caldey Island," he explained.

The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, said that the town council were fully behind the funding bid and that they gave their full support to the scheme.