Sir,
On a recent visit to Amsterdam, my wife and I came across these cycles (see photograph) which were packed, sometime two or three high, in a special cycle park! As most people know, cycles reign supreme in Holland and even taxi drivers complain about the way cyclists seem to have taken over the roads! This caused us to wonder if this was a solution to the car crisis in Tenby.
I am, of course, writing partly tongue in cheek, but, seriously, it seems that the town council, the county council, traffic wardens, the police? and, sadly, even Silcox, have abandoned bus lanes to car drivers who are parking illegally in the bus stop outside Somerfield.
Every day it is usual to see 4x4 vehicles, and other cars, blocking access to the bus stop. And it is quite normal to find other cars parking on the double yellow lanes in the access area to the store resulting in more chaos.
I note that there was a letter in the Observer recently from one lady who was complaining about the town bus stop being moved from outside Somerfield to further up the road.
It appears that the bus company has caved in to illegal car parking by stopping several yards higher up from Somerfield - which resulted in some people missing the bus as they, foolishly, thought the bus stopped in its usual place - rather than giving an ultimatum to the council that unless access to the bus stop could be regained, the bus service would be withdrawn until sanity was restored.
I am a driver and I know it can be infuriating not being able to find a parking place, particularly if one is in a hurry, but shoppers can find the time to pace their shopping 99 per cent of the time. And if you visit other towns, such as St. Ives, people are not allowed to cause such congestion and chaos.
More often than not it is just laziness to park near the store, especially as there is a car park cheek by jowl to Somerfield - some would park inside if they had a chance!
O yes, I am a cyclist, but have not practised for about 20 years!
Michael Doyle, Penally.