The row over Tenby's controversial summer pedestrianisation scheme rumbles on.
With just 30 days to go to the imposition of the scheme from 11 am to 5 pm until the end of August, Tenby Walled Town Residents' Association (TWTRA) this week drew attention to some aspects of the scheme which they claim the county council has chosen not to publicise.
Chairman of TWTRA, Richard Walker, commented: "The council circulated a leaflet on May 23. What the leaflet doesn't say is that car registration plates will be scanned by cameras and unauthorised drivers face a £60 fine and three-point penalty. Let's hope no visitors inadvertently stray into town and linger.
"The leaflet is draconian in its attitude to couriers, but fails to mention that one company, the Post Office, will be exempt. This makes no allowance for deliveries and collections by international couriers.
"The impression is given in the leaflet that doctors and nurses will be allowed in, if they are carrying something heavy. We've since learned, however, that the real view of the PCC is that they don't consider it necessary for doctors and other medical staff to have vehicular access for routine visits. When we asked Tenby Surgery about this, it was the first they'd heard about it, which means the council's attitude to 'consultation' is still the same as last year.
"We are sure that the coming weeks will unearth more surprises," said Mr. Walker.
The association's AGM and appointment of officers will be held next Thursday, June 12, at 7.30pm at Church House, Upper Frog Street.
Mr Walker added: "Everyone is welcome to the meeting. We are still waiting to hear how objections to the order will be addressed and for how long the PCC can ignore our MP's demand for a public inquiry. At least two officers on the association's committee will be standing down, since, sadly, pedestrianisation has forced them to move their home and business away from Tenby."
NEW TWIST
However, in another twist, Tenby county councillor Michael Williams wrote this week to the TWTRA's vice-chairman, Alistair Mackay, in response to a recent newsletter regarding the pedestrianisation.
Clr. Williams said he was concerned that Mr. Mackay was failing to represent the views of the majority of those people who reside within the walls.
"From my conversations with some of your members, this is confirmed," he said.
His letter continued: "I refer in particular to Mr. and Mrs. Cook who as members of your group, support the proposals; indeed for disabled people like Mrs. Cook the scheme is a great bonus. I have also received letters from Mr. and Mrs. Davies, of Avondale Villas, who also support the scheme wholeheartedly.
"If you wish to be the spokesperson for the Walled Town area, you have a duty to bring forward the views of the majority, not what seems to be a small minority.
"I am also concerned about the divisions that seem to be being created in the town, due mainly to your aggressive reaction to any contrary views. This is most unfortunate, and I would ask that you take on board other views and seek to represent a fair view of the majority opinion.
"The view of businesses that I am getting seems to be split fairly evenly. The catering side seem mostly in strong support of the scheme, not I admit 100 per cent, but a large majority.
"I am also concerned about the level of personal vitriol aimed at Huw Roberts. One of your committee has requested that I obtain for them a copy of Mr. Roberts' CV prior to his appointment.
"I have discussed this request with officers of the authority and it would not be appropriate for such information to be made available to you.
"I fully accept that Mr. Roberts has acted in a proper manner. I am sure that it has not brought him much in the way of pleasure, with the attacks that have been made upon him. It would have been very easy for him to have sat back and got on with the more mundane aspects of his job. He has had the courage to tackle a problem that has faced us for many years in Tenby.
"It might not suit everyone, but it is to his credit to have addressed the issue."