Sir,

Paul Rich's letter in last week's Observer misrepresents TWTRA's stance against the pedestrianisation scheme.

His letter gave the impression that TWTRA was the only organisation speaking against the county council scheme at the Public Inquiry. This was not the case; Tenby Town Council, Tenby 2020, Tenby Sailing Club, Tenby Harbour Users Association, Caldey Island Estates, Tenby Licensed Victuallers Association, The Lock Estate, Tenby Taxi Association, Tenby House Hotel, Dennis's Café, Upton Farm Foods, Charles Birt and Co and F. B. Mason, as well as many residents, all spoke against the scheme as it stands.

Other businesses and residents had also sent written statements to the same effect. A common theme in nearly all these submissions was that Tudor Square, St. George Street and High Street should be kept traffic free.

These groups called for freer reasonable access outside the central core using either Crackwell Street or Belmont Arch, which was permitted to a limited degree in the 2004 and 2005 experiments. TWTRA has never condoned triple-parking in Tudor Square at any time and has backed proposals to review all parking within the town. The failure of the county council to manage parking is a separate issue.

Mr. Rich implies that under his concept of the greater good of the community, the community most affected should give up their rights to access - something that we believe no other residents anywhere in the UK have ever been asked to do. Mr. Rich obviously considers that the majority of visitors should have preference, fortunately, he is not able to make the final decision. An independent inspector will balance the weight to be given to the needs of the community within the walls to those outside.

The inspector told those present at the inquiry that he would need about six weeks to come to his recommendation. Mr. Rich, however, has already reached his conclusion after attending the inquiry 'only briefly on two of the days'.

It is a pity that Mr. Rich did not take the opportunity to speak at the Public Inquiry if he has such strong views. The inspector could not have been more accommodating in giving everyone an opportunity to speak, even extending the inquiry by an extra day to hear all sides.

Richard Walker, Chairman, TWTRA.