The organisers of the Long Course Weekend have been working with Royal Mail to ensure that the delivery system is not disrupted during the event.

Activity Wales Events, organisers of the sporting event, which this year will celebrate its 10th anniversary, recently announced that this year’s Wales Sportive, to be held on Saturday, July 6, will have comprehensive road closures, restrictions and diversions in place for cyclists taking part on the second day of the triathlon.

County councillor for Tenby’s North Ward, Clr. Michael Williams has been contacted over concerns regarding the postal delivery service for that day, with the complainant claiming that it was evident that there would be large areas of the county that will not receive a postal service on July 6 due to the multiple road closures in place.

“I know of people in Tenby and the surrounding area who rely on daily postal services for all sorts of reasons including essential medication, and we have a situation here where PCC, the private enterprise Activity Wales and another private organisation, Royal Mail, have totally ignored the needs and rights of the people of Pembrokeshire,” wrote the complainant in correspondence to Clr. Williams.

“I have a family member who works for Royal Mail and I understand that postal services in the UK are regulated by OFCOM who ensure that there is a six-day week uninterrupted service to every UK address.

“However, I have reason to believe that The Communication Workers Union (CWU) have advised all their members not to travel on roads that are closed or to go through any barriers.

“I understand the need for the CWU to keep their postmen and women safe and I support that, but what I don’t support is the County Council being led by the nose by an organisation whose sole purpose it is to make money at the clear detriment to residents of this area.

“I am quite flabbergasted at this and I do not think PCC have thought this through and quite frankly I think they’ve made a significant and far reaching error,” they continued.

Clr. Williams has contacted PCC’s streetcare and parking manager Marc Owen, to address the concerns: “ I am concerned that the local authority might be regarded as acting illegally if there is a perception that they are obstructing the delivery of mail, which is a legal requirement.

“I am disappointed that this matter has only now become apparent, with the event taking place very shortly,” he stated.

Mr. Owen confirmed that the event organisers are liaising with the Royal Mail in relation to the road closures and access for their services.

“As the local authority, we require the event organisers to engage with the Royal Mail to address any concerns the local community, including businesses, may have. This engagement is currently ongoing,” said a spokesperson for PCC.

Matthew Evans, CEO of the Long Course Weekend commented: “We have been in touch with Royal Mail and are working alongside them regarding timings and they are fully aware of the plans for the day.

“We have been working closely with the county council and those town councils that have accepted meetings. Off the back of these we have now managed to work around areas where there were opportunities to do so and we hope to have Tenby pretty much open by lunchtime.

“However, I must also stress that Tenby is operating a one way system, so access to a lot of areas is and will be possible throughout the event.

“As for Medical Supplies, most people do plan ahead if they are receiving such products through the post. If however we need to get emergency medication on course, this is not a problem as all emergency services will be present in the control room on the day and we will facilitate.

“We have dealt with road restrictions for many years and in many countries and the communication and planning of this years LCW is one of the most comprehensive to date.

“What I would recommend is that should anyone have any queries, please simply call our office and we will be happy to discuss on a factual basis,” added Mr. Evans.