Pembrokeshire County Council is renewing its efforts to ensure the regeneration of a prime site near Pembroke Castle.

Many of the buildings in the area of South Quay, Northgate Street and Castle Terrace have fallen into serious disrepair over the last few years.

The problem the council faces is that some of the structures are Listed Buildings within a Conservation Area and cannot be demolished whole scale.

It has been established that extensive stabilisation work now needs to be urgently carried out before the site can be re-marketed.

Several times the authority has been close to selling the site to private sector developers for regeneration but, for a variety of reasons, a deal has never been signed.

Known as the South Quay site, the parcel of land is part of a joint venture development with the Welsh Government.

It was envisaged that any potential developer would - besides its own money - also have access to over £500,000 in funds from the sale of land at North Quay on the opposite side of the river.

But, with no deal on the horizon, Welsh Government is now asking for the repayment of the majority of that money.

This, the council maintains, makes the prospect of attracting any future developers even more difficult and remote.

In a bid to reset the partnership with Welsh Government, the county council has now written to the cabinet secretary for economy and transport, Ken Skates.

“I am seeking a meeting with the cabinet secretary and his officials to discuss a way forward for what is, after all, a prime site within the town of Pembroke,” said Councillor Paul Miller, the council’s cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture.

“The site has been derelict for far too long, progress is overdue and I can assure Clr. Carey and the people of Pembroke that I see the delivery of a scheme on this site as a priority.”

The council’s move comes after concerns were expressed by County Councillor Aaron Carey - in whose ward South Quay is located - and Councillor Pearl Llewellyn who represents nearby Monkton.

“It is the main topic of conversation in Pembroke,” said Clr. Carey who was elected to the authority in May.

“I realise that a lot has been going on behind the scenes but unfortunately the public perception is that nothing is happening and that the council is dragging its feet.

“The truth is that we need the assistance of Welsh Government - our original partners - in order to access the necessary funds to make these buildings safe.

“Until that is done, we cannot move on and I don’t want the site deteriorating for a further 20 years.”