Designers planning new gateway signage into Tenby have gone down the wrong route, it was claimed this week.

Following lengthy discussions on finalising the wording for a ‘Welcome to Tenby’ sign for the town, local councillors were informed recently by Pembrokeshire County Council that the design might not be big enough to include all the text, which was to include a Welsh translation of the Greek quote ‘The sea washes away the ills of man’, which is also inscribed on the old bath house building at Tenby harbour.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, told members that he had had a meeting with the county council’s landscape architect, Dai Rees, and another officer, who had suggested that there might be confusion in a plan to amalgamate the new signage with VMS led signs that were also to be introduced in Tenby.

“The VMS would, for example, give a warning that ‘flooding’ has occurred in Gumfreston, which might not sit well alongside the stand alone Welcome to Tenby sign featuring ‘The sea washes away the ills of man’ quote for example!” explained Mr. Davies.

“It has been suggested that a stand alone VMS sign be placed on the verge by the Lady Park entrance and one on the other side of town by the Marsh Road, as well as the other new signage proposed,” he continued.

“It’s taken months to sort this out and we’re just going back and forth, it’s ridiculous,” remarked Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, with her colleague Clr. Will Rossiter stating that the present signage in Tenby was “far superior” to what had been proposed.

“I’m a bit flabbergasted by this, I have no problem with a new sign on the Bells Corner, but I’d be dead against a VMS sign on the Marsh Road, it’s ludicrous,” commented Clr. Mike Evans.

“VMS signs are very expensive and forget the flooding warning, we need to show people where the car parks are in Tenby!

“Tenby is open 365 days a year and not one car park was full this summer, so we need help in directing visitors to our car parks, along with the hotels and beaches, not giving information on when a road out of town is flooded!” he continued.

Mr. Davies told members that the VMS signs were to be funded by the Trunk Road Agency.

“Maybe the Trunk Road Agency should sort out the problems in the road first in Gumfreston, rather then spending money on a sign for it!” added Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter.

“None of these signs help the town, they are of no benefit. They need to go back to the drawing board!” added Clr. Evans.