National newspaper claims that there are 30 child sex offenders living in Tenby have sparked fear and anger throughout the town this week.
On Sunday and Monday of this week, two national newspapers listed a number of towns throughout the United Kingdom and the number of paedophiles said to be living there according to databases.
The only town in Pembrokeshire to feature was Tenby, with 30 registered child sex offenders, news that has caused deep anxiety among parents.
"If these numbers are true then I am deeply concerned," said one parent, who asked not to be named. "It's all right for social services, the probation service and psychiatrists to say that these people are fine to be released back into the community, but, as has all too often been seen, you cannot guarantee that none of these 30 people will re-offend.
"Any one of them could be a timebomb waiting to explode, you just don't know. Do the police have the manpower to keep an eye on all of them?
"Everyone in the town will now be looking at any new faces with suspicion.
"Are these figures for Tenby or the area? If it is Tenby, it's a hell of a big percentage for a small town. These figures should be clarified to state exactly how many there are. Thirty in an adult population of 5,000 is a lot to have lurking about.
"Any of them could attack a child at any time and I for one know that I'll never let my children out alone again."
Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, a mother and grandmother herself, was equally concerned and angry.
"My concern is whether these figures are for Tenby town, or the area as a whole," she said.
"Tenby is the only town in not just Pembrokeshire but Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to be singled out. Why us?
"I know a lot of people are very concerned by these claims, it's been the talk in cafes and at school gates all week. I even believe that some parents are planning to hold a meeting to discuss the claims.
"Children in Tenby are used to having such a free and easy life. This is a small area and everyone knows everyone else.
"We have always allowed our children out to play, but no more.
"This fear will make people think twice and I would not like to see the sort of fear that parents in cities feel in Tenby, this is too community spirited an area.
"Also this could have a damaging effect on the tourist trade. People come to Tenby because of the freedom and safety that children can enjoy.
"Personally I think that these paedophiles should be named and shamed."
When the Observer contacted Dyfed-Powys Police to ascertain the validity of the national newspaper claims, a spokesperson said that it was "the policy of the force not to disclose the number of sex offenders living in any given locality."