Tenby Walled Town Residents' Association (TWTRA) this week emphatically rejected the notion that the August experiment with pedestrianisation had been a success.

In a comprehensive reply to Pembrokeshire County Council's (PCC) request for feedback, they detailed the inadequacies of the scheme, based on their own Survey of residents' views, an analysis of written comments from residents and visitors, and letters to the PCC, copies of which have been forwarded to the TWTRA.

"We make it very clear, early in our submission to the PCC, that most of our members want some form of traffic management. But it is crystal clear that they don't want what the PCC is currently offering," said TWTRA Chairman, Richard Walker.

"What we have tried to do is point out the failings and inadequacies of the August scheme, based on verifiable evidence, and also put forward positive proposals for improvement in traffic management.

"Our submission is, I hope, easy to read and easy to understand. It is borne largely out of the experiences of people who had to bear the harsher elements of the scheme. Though there are fewer of us inside the town walls than outside, we should be the first to be heard.

"PCC have declared the experiment a "success." It would help everyone if they could publish their criteria for success, if they exist."

He added: "Our report isn't easy to summarise so we are making copies of it available to anyone who wants to read it. Copies will be available from today (Friday) at The Dainty in Tudor Square, Clarices' in Upper Frog Street, or from 2 Rock House, St Julian Street where copies of minutes of the last meeting on October 14, can also be obtained.

The Association (TWTRA) also confirmed that the fight against last August's pedestrianisation scheme was being pursued in three different legal areas:

Mr. Walker confirmed that various members had initiated proceedings with the Local Government Ombudsman, with the Council Tax Valuation Officer, and with the local Member of the European Parliament.

"Obviously, the fact that people have felt impassioned enough to make these moves says something about how they feel they've been treated by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC)," he said.

"You've got to have some sort of commitment to take things this far."

The approach to the Local Government Ombudsman relates to the PCC's lack of consultation about the pedestrianisation scheme. Several members of the TWTRA are thought to have approached the Council Tax Valuation Officer on the grounds that being denied access to their property for one twelfth of the year devalues their property.

The MEP is being asked whether European Conventions and protocols have been breached by the requirements of the Pedestrianisation Scheme.

"Obviously, these legal objections take time. I understand that the Council Tax Valuation Officer has had to send it to appeal, on the basis of time, and I've no doubt that it will take up many hours of the MEP's time to see whether the PCC have breached European Conventions. We will just sit and wait, like good Pembrokeshire folk.

"Hopefully, wheels will turn fast enough to inform anything that the PCC might plan for next Summer."