Sir,

Having followed closely the various letters and articles in your 'paper concerning the 'Pedestrianisation experiment' in Tenby, and having talked to many people, both visitors and residents, I have come to the following conclusions:

1. The initial reaction by some residents was almost hysterical that they would be 'imprisoned' and business people that they would be put out of business. Regrettably these views were repeated several times by the same people giving the impression that the whole of Tenby was 'up in arms'. It is only for four hours out of 24. I'm sure many more residents feel imprisoned on weekend evenings by the appalling behaviour of the 'stag' and 'hen' parties - which last longer than four hours.

2. There are some difficulties - these have been highlighted, but the county council have been trying to deal with these. Some people seem able to adapt - others are not willing to try.

3. Fall in business is bound to happen whenever a new scheme is brought in, and experience in other towns shows that after an initial fall, pedestrianisation has greatly improved trade.

4. The consultation process was certainly a bit inadequate, but as all trade and other organisations were consulted - perhaps earlier consultation would have given all those individual members of the trade organisations who have complained they were not personally consulted, time to have managed to attend their own organisation's meetings.

5. Reduction in motor traffic is national policy. Pedestrianisation of town centres is one way of contributing to this, and in the case of Tenby will help in the conservation of our beautiful and historic town; also contributing to our health by getting people out of cars and onto their feet.

6. White Lion Street is a problem - if there is to be an equally good park and ride from the Salterns car park as we now have from North Beach car park, White Lion Street will have to remain two-way.

7. Most visitors seem to be in favour of the scheme. Many, when asked, said they were disappointed that it was only a limited experiment.

8. Follow up the 'experiment' will need to be really comprehensive with detailed questions to all residents and businesses. A few questionnaires haphazardly distributed and an open public meeting where only the most vociferous will be heard will not give a real assessment of the affect of the pedestrianisation on the town.

Personally, I have enjoyed the freedom of the four hours of peace from traffic, and it certainly shows Tenby at its best.

Ann Lukes,

60 Knowling Mead,

Tenby.