Sir,

March 16 issue of the Observer contained an item of news 'Tourism meeting shows the way forward'. The meeting was addressed by the chairman of Pembrokeshire tourism and also the director of the new Regional Partnership for South West Wales. Incidentally, my letter to the editor 'Re-birth of a town' in the same issue stated my views on Narberth's favourable position regarding tourism, the county's largest industry.

Narberth Chamber of Trade were supportive by their article in the 'Observer Summer Guide' with a circulation throughout the summer season nearing 200,000. The article contains an excellent photograph of the Town Hall described as 'The distinctive Town Hall gives Narberth's High Street its special character'. The Chamber, with the backing of townsfolk, have put Narberth on the map, with little or no assistance from the Town Council, who in 1974 lost autonomy and like its neighbours, Templeton, Amroth, Saundersfoot, etc., became community councils, Narberth being responsible for the upkeep of the Town Hall which had been the hub of the town's civic life for time immemorial.

At the first meeting after the enhancement of the building, the Mayor stated: "I am proud to be sitting in this fine hall." His words failed to impress fellow councillors who refused to hold further meeting there, hibernating to the Queens Hall, ignoring heritage, tradition and commonsense. Despite the expense, they have decided to remain there with no intention of bolstering tourism.

This was a blow to Narberth in its endeavour to attract visitors. The hall had been successfully used for many years by the Tourist Information Centre. To add insult, the present council nailed 'To Let' notices to the walls of the building in an attempt to use it as a lock-up shop instead of a notice 'Welcome to Narberth - Information Centre - Free Parking ahead'.

What a difference it would have made in those seven wasted years whilst the doors were locked against visitors needing information of the town and surrounding districts.

Ratepayers will live in hope that one day a democratic mayor will sit at the head of the table in his rightful home in the Town Hall and remark: "I am proud to be sitting in this fine hall."

Harry Johnston,

Bush House,

Pembroke