Disappointment has been expressed this week that a project to turn Narberth's former primary school into a community-use building has been turned town.

In a statement read at Tuesday night's monthly meeting of the town council, Clr. David Norcross said: "I am most sorry to report to the council that the Planed proposal with regard to the old primary school site, put to the county council, has been rejected out of hand by them."

He explained: "As requested, the expression of interest was submitted before the closing date, but Planed have already been informed that the proposal will not be considered or further submissions accepted.

"The expression of interest was for the old school to be a community facility for East Central Pembrokeshire. The idea was to offer one centre where many community facilities could be accessed, i.e. CAB, family support services, unemployment resources, tourist information, complementary health facilities etc.

"This would have become sustainable through the rental of small office and retail units."

Clr. Norcross continued: "However, county council officials, even at this early stage of consideration, have rejected the proposal. They have stated that Planed have not been invited to interview as part of the final selection process as they did not meet all elements set out in the brief - namely section four which indicated a preference for retail-led schemes.

"I can understand that they have many considerations and interests to take into account, but it is so disappointing that, our county officers, who are paid by the community for the community interests, have made purely commercial considerations paramount on this occasion.

"I have been informed that there are a further seven expressions of interest that will be considered."