Sir,

Following a survey carried out by the Tenby Commercial Ratepayers Association on August 11 and 12, of 52 establishments in the retail sector within the walled town, the following results were drawn concerning the experimental traffic management scheme: nine per cent for, 18 per cent unsure or reserving judgement, 73 per cent against.

Many of the in favour of and unsure traders had experienced a downturn in trade as have the majority of the against. Even long established businesses are suffering badly.

One-hundred per cent had stated that there had been no prior consultation by Pembrokeshire County Council, which is of concern, as a number of these retailers are members of the Chamber of Trade, which was one of the bodies consulted by the county council before implementing this traffic scheme.

The worry of losing local trade was apparent with many traders, the concern of the tables and chairs obstructing the pavements was also raised, as was the access for deliveries and disabled.

Although some think it is safer for pedestrians, the majority agree that strictly enforcing the regulations that were in place would have been sufficient.

The one-way system down White Lion Street and buses up and down Crackwell Street were not approved of.

The severity of loss of trade varied from no difference to decimating businesses depending on location and type of goods being sold.

From a restaurant which has lost all its afternoon trade - to a pet shop, from which customers are unable to carry their heavy/bulky purchases.

The findings of the survey were brought to the attention of Mr. Huw Roberts, members of the tourism and the traffic department of the county council and a member of the National Park at a meeting, which took place on Monday, August 12, at the Mayor's Parlour.

The county council is adament that the experiment which threatens traders' livelihoods will run its course until August 31. Therefore, as CRA is now a consulted body, prior to further meetings with the county council a survey will be undertaken in September so as to measure the effects on trade within Tenby town walls.

N. Chapple,

Vice-Chair,

Tenby Commercial

Ratepayers Association.