Suggestions that traffic be banned from Tenby's St. Nicholas' Lane in the interests of pedestrian safety were given the thumbs down by town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Clr. Mickey Folland told members that several elderly people had asked him to try and stop vehicles from using the lane, running from Upper Frog Street to High Street between two sections of T. P. Hughes department store.

"It is very narrow and there is only just enough room from kerb to kerb for a car," Clr. Folland pointed out. "The pavement is very narrow and people are hit by car wing mirrors."

Clr. Folland also pointed out that the cash point of the Abbey National building society was also located in the lane, bringing users of this facility into conflict with vehicles.

"I know the lane is an escape route when deliveries are being made to premises in Upper Frog Street, but in the interests of pedestrian safety, is it not better to let cars wait for a few minutes?"

He suggested that the town council write to Pembrokeshire County Council asking for the lane to be made for "wheelchair and pedestrian use only."

"All I can say to that is 39 minutes!" countered Clr. Stuart Fecci.

"That is how long I was waiting behind delivery vehicles in Upper Frog Street on Monday."

Clr. Fecci said that Upper Frog Street was one of the main retail streets in the town, with numerous cafes, restaurants and public houses as well as shops, all of which had different delivery times. This was without taking into account the refuse collection lorries.

"The lane is an important escape route, otherwise you will end up with traffic backed up into St. George Street.

"The volume of traffic that uses the lane is not that heavy, and without it the road would be gridlocked."

Clr. Folland commented that cars halted by delivery vehicles after they had passed the lane could not use it as it would mean them reversing the wrong way down a one-way street.

However, other councillors felt that it still provided a relief route for drivers coming up the road who could see delays ahead of them.

The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, agreed, pointing out that the lane was used by the emergency services to avoid delays in Upper Frog Street, particularly during the summer months.

Clr. Tish Rossiter agreed with Clr. Folland.

"It is hazardous enough to get around Tenby as it is," she commented, pointing out that it was also dangerous for cars using the lane when emerging out into High Street.

"Very often there are vehicles parked all around and vehicles are trying to get out into High Street blind," she said. "Bollards at either end would solve the problem."

Clr. Philip Crockford reiterated that the lane was used by the emergency services.

"Delaying their response could cost a life," he said. "However, as far as I am aware, there have never been any accidents in St. Nicholas' Lane."

Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas commented that the lane was predominantly used by local drivers.

"They know it is a narrow lane and the dangers associated with it," she said.

"They use it very carefully and only when they have no alternative."

Clr. Andrew Rees pointed out that Bank Lane further down the road was pedestrianised and was an alternative route for pedestrians, leaving St. Nicholas' Lane for use by vehicles.

However, Clr Folland felt that it might be wiser to re-open Bank Lane to traffic and close St. Nicholas' Lane, as this was wider.

Councillors felt that this would not be viable as there were two cafes and telephone kiosks in this lane and the pavement area that vehicles would need to cross to get out into High Street was wider than at St. Nicholas' Lane.

"I think we should retain status quo," said Clr. Fecci. "Leave things as they are."