Pembrokeshire County Council considers Tenby's month-long pedestrianisation experiment, which ended on Saturday, to have been a success.

Clr. Brian Hall, the authority's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation, said he was pleased that the scheme had been tested during the busiest period of the year and had stood up well.

"Early indications are that it has the support of a majority of visitors to the resort," said Clr. Hall. "Customer survey forms have been distributed on the park and ride buses during the past month, and those completed and received up until now show at least two-thirds in favour.

"Some have even asked for the hours of pedestrianisation to be extended.

"A lot of people have commented that it provides a continental feel to the resort, with locals and visitors alike being able to sit outside and enjoy the café culture atmosphere.

"I feel the experiment has made Tenby a more attractive tourist destination for the future."

Clr. Hall said that the authority would now be thoroughly reviewing the experiment and would be meeting with representatives of key organisations in Tenby in October.

"We will be taking on board their comments before deciding on future arrangements," he continued.

"We have also been listening to what residents and businesses have been saying, both before and during the experiment. Indeed, some changes were implemented as a result of these suggestions after the scheme began.

"While some residents and businesses have been concerned at the inconvenience caused, many have felt that the benefit of a traffic-free period outweighs any disadvantages.

"The helpline, which the council set-up, was also useful. We were able to authorise journeys during the hours of pedestrianisation for any issues relating to health and safety."

Clr. Hall said the authority had introduced the experiment as Tenby's narrow streets were a nightmare in summer through being clogged with traffic.

"Local people have been calling for the council to do something about Tenby traffic for years," he added. "And many people feel this is the right way forward."

'Like a curate's egg', say residents

Tenby Walled Town Residents' Association reacted with relief as the month-long pedestrianisation scheme drew to a close.

"The residents can at last resume normal life," said TWTRA chairman, Richard Walker, "and enjoy the same freedoms as those living outside the town walls.

"Now the disabled couple in St. Mary's Street can drive out for lunch if they want, the health visitor can get to see babies without having to carry all her equipment, the window cleaner won't get fined for being a few minutes late getting out after starting at 5 am, and we can get a taxi to the station with our luggage."

Reacting to Clr. Brian Hall's claim of success for the scheme, Mr. Walker added:

"Naturally we welcome the indications that August visitors have had a pleasant time; and if the council claim success, we thank them for changes made after our representation and we also look forward to learning of the criteria for success. Obviously the council's view needs to be based on more than visitor reaction.

"Overall, we hope the council will have the decency to acknowledge that the scheme was a curate's egg - good only in parts.

"Clr. Hall's new-found enthusiasm to embrace the views of Tenby's residents and businesses is very good news and we look forward to working with him in the future when we've had a chance to analyse our own surveys. From our point of view, it's a success that he wants to talk to us.

"It would be a good start if just some of the money available for policing pedestrianisation so rigorously in August could also be there to enforce the regulations that apply for the other 11 months of the year."

Assembly Member raps

council

for 'not listening'

Nick Bourne, AM for Mid and West Wales and Welsh Conservative Leader in the National Assembly for Wales, has written to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council expressing his concern that the council is 'developing an unfortunate reputation for not listening to the people it is meant to represent.'

This follows the recent controversy over the Tenby Car Ban, where local residents and businesses were not consulted.

New information suggests that the council is now looking at setting up a park and ride Scheme for the town, and is selectively seeking the view of 'interested parties' by September 12.

There is a fear that the council will then press ahead with plans for next year before people have had a chance to make representations about the events of this year.

Speaking on Wednesday, Nick Bourne said:

'I have received a great deal of post from aggrieved residents and businesses who were not consulted by Pembrokeshire County Council about its arbitrary decision to ban traffic from within the old town walls.

"I now understand that the council, through a firm of consultants, has sent letters to 'interested parties' about Park and Ride arrangements for next year. I further understand that a tight time-scale has been imposed with a date for reply set at September 12.

"Pembrokeshire County Council seems to be developing an unfortunate reputation for not listening to the people it is meant to represent.

"I would very much hope that the council has learnt from the controversy and anger that has understandably been generated in Tenby this summer, and will in future properly consult with local people before making such significant decisions."