While most people assume statements of accounts are full of figures which can only be understood by accountants, this year the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's accounts have the potential to become a best seller. Not just the figures, but the facts as well and in a much more reader-friendly style than before. Financial controller Steven O'Donoghue (pictured) is keen to promote the statement as an interesting read for all. "The National Park Authority spent £6m last year and it is important for the public to be able to understand where this comes from and what we do with it," he said. "While in previous years I've complied with legislation in publishing statutory notices about the accounts, this year I've decided to put more effort into capturing people's attention and interest." The statement of accounts explains how the authority generates an income of over £1m locally, and the importance that admission fees, merchandise sales and car parking charges play in this. Grant aid from other organisations, such as the Countryside Council for Wales, which contributes towards the costs of maintaining the Coast Path National Trail, also makes a huge difference to the level of work the authority undertakes. Added Steven: "There's a lot of interesting information in the accounts, such as how we spent £1.5m on the provision and management of recreation opportunities in the Park, through the Coast Path, inland rights of way and supporting infrastructure. We spent £160,000 on conservation grants under our Historic Towns Scheme - and if you walk the streets of Tenby you will see what a difference this sort of spend is making. We hold fixed assets valued at almost £7.5m, and the statement explains what this is made up of. "The authority necessarily invests considerable resources in good financial management and is keen to be held to account for its work." The statement of accounts 2004/05 is available on- line at http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk or can be obtained from any of the authority's sites and information centres.
