An overwhelming 59 per cent of traders in Narberth think the answer to the town's parking and traffic problems is for land to be bought for additional car parking.

That was one of the results revealed in a parking and traffic survey conducted by the town's Chamber of Trade.

The survey was conducted among the members who work within the central part of Narberth town. A total of 67 questionnaires were sent out, with half responding.

The survey also revealed that approximately half of Narberth's employers and their staff used the Town Moor car park to park their vehicles, with the other half using either private parking or 'off road' parking. Thus, the Town Moor Car Park would be substantially filled up before any visitors or shoppers have arrived.

When asked where do your customers park?, again approximately half of customers used the Town Moor Car Park if they could find a space, which is why so much use is made of street parking, both the 'restricted' and legal one hour wait.

In answer to the question 'what do your customers require?', 31 per cent said a free car park, and 16 per cent, free spaces. Eighteen per cent said they needed to park for 10 minutes, 16 per cent for one hour and 13 per cent all day.

But what would members wish to be done? Two per cent said nothing, five per cent said pay and display, 15 per cent suggested building a multi-storey car park, 20 per cent said a permanent traffic warden was needed, but an overwhelming 59 per cent wanted land to be bought for additional car parking within Narberth.

"The need for additional parking facilities within the Town is self evident, plus the need to ensure that the parking is sensible and controlled comes through," said chamber secretary, Gordon Barry. "The survey respondents also came up with over 30 detailed suggestions and proposals which have been directed together with the full survey results to Narberth Town Council and Planed (for the Narberth Action Plan)," he explained.

"It should be recognised and remembered that without sufficient parking facilities, the prosperity that Narberth has benefited from will be at risk."

Business Opening Hours survey

A survey of business opening hours has also been conducted to ascertain who would be open during the Sunday of the Food Festival, pre-Christmas Sunday opening and late night Christmas opening. It is anticipated that this information will be made available on the Narberth website and any members who have not yet responded should contact the secretary.

Other matters discussed at the chamber's May meeting were the following:

Civic Week

Work was progressing on the chamber's involvement in Civic Week for the antiques and collectables fair (July 27), the grass track (July 25) and organising the festive banners. Assistance would be welcomed during this hectic time from members and supporters.

Narberth Publicity

The committee has recommended that a short promotional video of the town should be included in the publicity initiative being developed with the Pembrokeshire Tourist Information Centres.