The possibility of ‘priority seating’ being introduced to the town centre of Tenby, has been touted by a local councillor - with a focus on helping elderly people and those with mobility issues, and making it easier for them to enjoy spending time in Tudor Square.

Putting the item on the agenda of the July meeting of Tenby Town Council, Cllr James Phillips discussed the matter with his fellow members.

He explained that there were three issues that he wished to address. The first was the condition of general road signage around the town, with many safety and warning signs ‘filthy’ and many more ‘illegible’ he said.

The second was the main ‘Welcome to Tenby ‘sign situated at the Bells Corner on the way into the seaside town. Cllr Phillips felt this was a fairly easy fix as the embossed letters just need repainting.

Cllr Laurence Blackhall commented that the Town Council had raised the condition of road signs many times in the past, but that it now may be an opportunity for the ‘Time for Tenby’ volunteers to have a go at sprucing up such signage.

He explained that he had spoken to an individual about the Bells Corner sign but unfortunately the timings were wrong at present due to the bedding plants being in bloom and restricting access. The gentleman felt autumn would probably be a good time to get such things done.

It transpired that the town Clerk had already conducted a similar conversation with the same gentleman.

The third issue Cllr Phillips said was that, on occasion last holiday season people, particularly the elderly and others with mobility issues, had been unable to sit in Tudor Square due to hair braiders and the like occupying benches with their equipment.

“There are many benches in Tudor Square, maybe two could be given as priority for the elderly or infirm,” suggested Cllr Phillips.

“This does not mean that others cannot sit on the benches, just that you give up the space if needed. I am aware that there are other areas, e.g. on the tube in London, that do this,” he added.

Members felt that this was a good idea and suggested liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council on the matter.

“If we offer to pay for the signs, they may be more likely to agree, we just need to get the wording right,” remarked Cllr. Blackhall.

It was resolved that the Town Council investigate provision of priority seating signs with suitable wording in the centre of the seaside town, and liaise with PCC on the possibilities of which benches to allocate.

On another subject relating to elderly and those with mobility issues, the question of accessibility came up again, and obstructions such as A-Boards blocking walkways.

Members heard that PCC public realms manager Marc Owen had cancelled a scheduled meeting to look at the issue again.

Cllr Sam Skyme-Blackhall, said that Mr Owen had not indicated a new date; but she believed he was waiting for the pedestrianisation scheme to start.