A request by Tenby councillors for the introduction of free parking at the town's multi-storey car park for a period whilst disruption is being caused to the town centre due to enhancement and gas works has been turned down by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Members of Tenby Town Council had previously written to the authority with the proposal which they thought would be seen as an act of goodwill to businesses in the town during difficult economic times and encourage shoppers into Tenby.

However, their suggestion was turned down, with the county council's director of transportation and environment, Ian Westley, explaining the decision in correspondence received by the town council at their meeting on Tuesday night.

"The duration of the closure period is relatively short at four weeks and we have not previously provided similar concessions elsewhere," wrote Mr. Westley.

"In addition, I note that the number of 'convenience' parking bays lost to the town centre is relatively small and pedestrian access to all shops will be maintained.

"In conclusion, the authority will not take forward the proposal for free parking in Tenby," he added.

Clr. Lawrence Blackhall, who was one of the town councillors who had originally suggested the idea, said the decision was disappointing.

"This was an opportunity for the county council to make some acknowledgement that business and people in the town are struggling and a way to give some support.

"The people of Tenby will realise that the authority have missed an opportunity here, and this council is hugely disappointed by the decision," stated Clr. Blackhall.

With the closure of part of High Street set to go into February, the town clerk gave an update to councillors on how work was progressing.

Mr. Andrew Davies said that the enhancement works were set to cause a bit more disruption to Tudor Square with work continuing on the centre of the carriageway, meaning that parking spaces would be reduced temporarily to create a route for traffic.

Mr. Davies also explained that the county council had not lifted the one-way traffic order on Crackwell Street as they had done during previous street works to give access to the harbour.

Despite the current diversion in place, via Belmont Arch/Lower Frog Street to gain access to Tudor Square and the harbour, Mr. Davies explained that many motorists were wrongly driving down Crackwell Street and there had been reports of a number being booked by police officers for the offence.

Clr. Mike Evans said that he was unhappy that the police had taken this approach.

"We're talking about a dozen or so cars a day wanting to gain access to the harbour or their properties down there through Crackwell Street, where there's plenty of room to pull in and give way to both sides for cars coming up and down, as has happened in the past.

"It's not very community minded is it to book these motorists and fine them and give them penalty points for this," he added.