With a review to be conducted into the future of Tenby's Market, along with other Pembrokeshire County Council operated facilities, local councillors have said that it is important that the town does not lose such a huge asset to the community.

A report to the county council's cabinet recommends a review, with several options to be considered for Tenby, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest and Fishguard markets, including possible sale to a commercial market operator; letting of the entire unit to a commercial market operator; letting to a third sector/tenant consortium; retention by the council; reprovision in 'more appropriate premises; and closure.

The report says the review would involve consultation 'with a variety of stakeholders and will seek to establish whether sustainable business solutions can be developed for markets in the county'.

Speaking on the matter at Tuesday night's meeting of Tenby Town Council, Clr. Dr. Peter Easy felt that with the future of the town's market under threat, it was time for councillors to have their say.

"The market is a huge asset to the town and too many times important decisions are made without us having any say before consultations are already underway, but this is a topic that we need to assert ourselves into any debate," he commented.

The town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, said that it was a 'scoping exercise' from the county council on the indoor markets that they control, but he didn't think it would hurt for the town council to set their stall out early on their stance on the subject.

Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said that a meeting taking in place in County Hall at the end of the week to discuss the county council's financial settlement and service delivery, to which leader Jamie Adams had invited town councillors from across the county, would allow Clr. Lawrence Blackhall, who was going to the meeting, a chance to ask questions about the future of the town's market.

Clr. Blackhall also asked for the matter to be included on the next meeting's agenda.