Tenby has come back ‘stronger than ever before’ following the challenges of Covid, thanks to a caring community - the town’s Mayor has said in her New Year message.

Mayor of Tenby, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall (who is also county councillor for the town’s south ward) said: “Reflecting on the last year, I feel great pride in how our Town has emerged from the challenges of Covid and has continued to show the spirit of community and caring for others that is such a feature of our wonderful Town.

“2022 has been a year of real progress for our community activities and buildings, our organisations, associations, Churches and Schools. All coming back stronger than ever before.

“Last year I wrote that I hoped that nobody in need would be forgotten.

“How pleasing it is to see how our Town has responded to the cost-of-living crisis with ‘warm-room’ projects every day of the week, support helping people get financial support and activities for those who are isolated, lonely and vulnerable.

“In 2022, Tenby and its extraordinary volunteers have shown we are a community that cares.

“The community fridge, which continues to thrive, is an example of us caring for ourselves and for our environment.

“Not only does it provide food for people, it prevents waste from supermarkets and any left over food is used for animal feed.

“Tenby Council is working to ensure that protecting our precious environment is at the heart of everything we do.

“There have been lots of new things happening last year and there will be more in 2023 but all are rightly focussed on us looking after those that live here, supporting our wonderful businesses and welcoming those that come to visit us.

“Further improvements are planned for our gardens and buildings and we will be doing more work to ensure Tenby is accessible for everyone.

“One sadness from 2022, is the wonderful members of our community and families that we have lost.

“We treasure their memories and fondly remember all that they did for us. Yet we also celebrate the new additions to our families and communities, the future of our Town.

“Every year brings changes and in May I will complete my third term as Mayor.

“I will not be standing for another year as I want to concentrate on my County Council work.

“I will still be working on these issues and I know that the next Mayor and Tenby Town Council will continue to put supporting the people of Tenby and our precious community at the centre of everything they do.

“On behalf of Tenby Town Council may I wish you a happy and prosperous new year,” she added.