The Mayor of Tenby has stated that the health of the town’s people must be a priority as the Welsh Government begin to ease lockdown restrictions in some sectors.

Speaking after Tuesday’s remote meeting of the town council, Clr. Tony Brown who will officially hand over the chains of office to mayor-elect Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall at the end of the month, with the AGM scheduled for June 30, said that a ‘cautious’ approach was still needed for coastal areas such as Tenby and the whole of Pembrokeshire.

“As to the current situation and future for Tenby with regards to restrictions, I hope that the Welsh Government take into account the size of some towns when lifting travel restrictions and allowing people to holiday,” he said.

“I know it is a tough time for all businesses at the minute but safety must be a priority for us. As the Government is starting to lift restrictions it worries me that allowing self contained establishments to open for visitors will force a flood into small towns such as ours.

“Due to the fact that if you come on holiday to a self contained premise - be it a flat, house, caravan or motor-home, holidaymakers will not stay indoors 24/7, and you will be basically allowing thousands into our little area.

“We have heard and seen on social media how the majority of locals feel at the thought, with some very ripe views from those that are concerned at what an influx of visitors might mean, and you can appreciate those displaying a somewhat frightened perspective, as we just don’t know what is going to happen next!

“With Ironman doing the sensible thing of holding the event off for a year, I think the First Minister should be thinking the same if not til at least end of September to start lifting this sort of movement.

“I just think it needs to be very cautious with the moves that are being made.

“I’m sure with the figures of those contracting the virus coming down, the local community will open their arms to visitors when it’s safe to do so,” added Clr. Brown.