Tenby's walled town will be a pedestrian-friendly area again this summer, with the introduction of a Permanent Order covering the holiday period. The Permanent Order follows a number of earlier trials of schemes for the creation of a pedestrian- friendly area, culminating in a public inquiry in 2006. Further work followed this to adjust and finalise the format to take account of the comments and feedback received. The operational arrangements for this summer are broadly similar to last year. The majority of traffic will be banned from the walled town from Saturday, July 19, until Sunday, September 7. Vehicle restrictions will apply from 11 am to 5 pm on each day of the pedestrianisation period. The walled town will be divided into three areas, each with varying degrees of permitted vehicular access. The core area (High Street from Crackwell Street to Tudor Square, St. Nicholas Lane, Tudor Square and Church Street) will have very limited vehicle access with weddings, funerals, and emergency services being permitted entry. The western area (Lower Frog Street, Upper Frog Street, St. George's Street, St. Mary's Street, The Paragon, Cresswell Street, Cob and Tor Lane) will have permitted access by residents, business owners, visitors to residents, taxis, and to gain access to off-road parking spaces. The eastern area (High Street from White Lion Street to Crackwell Street, Crackwell Street, Bridge Street, St. Julians Street, Sergeants Lane and the harbour area) will have permitted access similar to the western area, plus traffic accessing the harbour for tidal purposes. The council will provide a free park and ride service from the North Beach Car Park to the walled town and the harbour between 10 am and 6 pm every day, and a second free service provided by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will run from The Salterns to South Parade. Clr. Jamie Adams, council deputy leader and cabinet member for highways and planning, said: "The introduction of the Permanent Order for Tenby pedestrianisation marks a further milestone in improving the safety and amenity in the walled town of Tenby over the peak summer months. "Council officers have worked hard over the past five years to develop the concept and make considered and relevant adjustments based on the feedback we received. "I am happy and confident that the current order provides for a workable scheme, and gives a balanced approach for residents, tourists, and businesses alike."
