Business people in Tenby are being urged to write to their local MP, voicing their concerns over the recent high increase in rates. "I urge everyone who is concerned for the well- being of Tenby to write to their MP pointing out the parlous economic conditions that prevail in Tenby, and the unfairness of the system of business rates,"county councillor Michael Williams commented this week. "The situation in Tenby is that the average business rate increase is 27 per cent, against a county average increase of 16 per cent," claimed the North Tenby representative. "The average of course disguises the increases of up to 300 per cent experienced by some businesses, at a time when the economy of Tenby is at its most fragile," he continued. Clr. Williams's comments follow the recent highlighting of the problem by Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for West Wales, Helen Mary Jones, who said: "Pembrokeshire has a fragile economy and it seems shocking that businesses in the county are being punished rather than encouraged. "Business rates in the county have increased by 17 per cent, which is bad in itself, but when you consider that the equivalent increase in Tenby is an incredible 27 per cent, it just isn't fair," she added. Licensee of the Three Mariners Inn in the town's St. George Street, Mr. Keith May, has already written to MP Nick Ainger, stating his concerns over the increase. "To say the increase in rates is a bit steep is an understatement," he said. "Ours have gone up 520 per cent, so it seems that businesses are being penalised for working harder," remarked Mr. May, who called for a review of the way rates are calculated within the town. (See also letters page)
