Sir, Now that the decision has been made to sanction the demolition of the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, it is open season for the neglect of historic buildings in Tenby. Even if the developers are required to build a replica, this would be much cheaper than restoring the original; hence the value of the site has been increased by agreement to demolish. But the windfall is not just gain for one person or organisation. Tenby has paid; first as a consequence of the eyesore on the Norton and now by the recent closure of road access. Tenby will pay even more if anything similar is allowed to happen again. Not only is our heritage valuable in its own right, but the small seaside resorts of Britain and Ireland that have prospered have succeeded by playing to their charm and heritage - and Tenby has more charm and heritage than anywhere. How can we reduce the risk? The Park Authorities cannot allow themselves to be drawn into lengthy negotiations, nor to make allowance for the difficulties of owners, whilst listed buildings rot. Unfortunately, it is now even more necessary to be draconian with poor maintenance and to take the necessary statutory action. I suspect that the Park Authorities do not presently have the resources to undertake adequate monitoring and enforcement, but (a) suggest that this should be an increased priority and (b) feel that other organisations such as the Town Council, the Civic Society and the Historical Society could be recruited more effectively as whistleblowers. I know that no- one likes to 'snitch', but the issues are too important for schoolboy morality. Secondly, we must ask how the town, through conditions attached to planning permission, can claw back some of the windfall that the demolition of the Royal Gatehouse has created? Let us have a full and open process of consultation and see what Tenby would like to have done with the site. It was encouraging to read some such ideas in the last issue of the Observer. Another possibility would be a full archaeological investigation of the foundations of the North Gate and a permanent exhibition with public access established within whatever building is eventually erected. Whatever is done, the risk to our heritage is now greater than ever and if we do not cherish the historic structure of Tenby, we will lose it. If we lose it, Tenby will decline further as a holiday location and become less attractive as a place of business and as a place to live.
Douglas Fraser, Tenby.