Plans to pilot a ‘no smoking’ beach in Tenby have been stubbed out by local councillors.

Pembrokeshire County Council have proposed to trial a smoke free beach in the county and have written to members of Tenby Town Council to see if they would consider one of the resort’s beaches being used.

“I would welcome a discussion with you, especially if you feel a beach in Tenby could be the pilot and the town council would be supportive,” wrote the authority’s head of public protection Mark Elliott in correspondence received by town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night.

“In terms of enforcement and cost - this would be self regulating as there would be no legislation. We would erect signs,” he continued.

Town clerk Andrew Davies told councillors that the county council’s cabinet were committed to conducting a smoke free pilot for one of Pembrokeshire’s beaches, and suggested as Tenby had four beaches, one could be considered for the trial.

“The initial suggestions seems to be Castle Beach, as this extends onto the South Beach,” Mr. Davies told members.

Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas told her colleagues that the sea belonged to the Queen and had nothing to do with Pembrokeshire County Council, therefore such a scheme could never work!

“The county council seem to be telling people what they can or cannot do and pushing on this!” said Clr. Will Rossiter.

“It’s not illegal to smoke and something like this could harm tourism in that area,” he added.

Deputy Mayor, Clr. Sue Lane said that she didn’t think that the town council should consider this proposal, as it was somewhat ‘draconian.’

“I don’t think this is right for Tenby. Maybe PCC could put up some notices to let smokers be aware that there are children in the area,” she remarked.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall agreed, and said that introducing smoking bans in children’s play areas was an entirely different thing, and a notion worth considering by PCC.

“Maybe the county council could consider Skrinkle Beach as the trial area, as most smokers wouldn’t want to climb up those steps!” he joked.

Councillors unanimously agreed to not offer their support to the trial taking place on one of Tenby’s beaches.

“There we are...and that comes from a table of non-smokers!” said Clr. Mrs. Lane on the decision.