Town councillors believe there are far more serious issues than street signs to deal with concerning obstructions to the pavements of Tenby.

Traders in the town, who claim they are already burdened with high business rates, have launched a petition to fight what they believe are further restrictions being imposed upon them by Pembrokeshire County Council, who recently ordered a crackdown on unauthorised signs and objects on the pavements of the town.

Speaking on the issue at Tuesday night's meeting of the town council, Clr. Paul Rapi felt that the traders had a great point when they made reference to other groups such as street traders and entertainers/musicians, who seemed to be able to go about their affairs without any objection from the county council.

"We constantly see the likes of hair braiders causing obstruction around the Five Arches and hanging up signs on what is a heritage site, while businesses who pay rates are threatened with fines for putting signs out; it just doesn't seem right," he said.

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, meanwhile, felt that a more pressing issue to deal with by the local authorities was vehicles parking on pavements in the town and causing an obstruction to pedestrians.

However, whilst agreeing that illegal parking in the town was an abomination, Clr. Mike Thorne also pointed out that putting out A-frames was considered illegal and was therefore wrong.

Town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, told members that the county council's head of street care, Mr. Marc Owen, was prepared to meet with traders individually to discuss the matter or those who had set up the petition.

However, Mr. Davies pointed out that several months previously, town council members themselves had raised their own concerns about the proliferation of A - frames in the town and had asked the county council to look into the matter.

Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, felt that it was unfortunate that there did not seem to be a great deal of clarity as to what street signs were acceptable or not for traders.