At last week's Open Meeting, Tenby Walled Town Residents‚ Association, Tenby Sailing Club and Tenby Harbour Users' Association joined forces in order to present a united front at the Public Inquiry into the pedestrianisation of Tenby that starts next Monday, April 24. TWTRA chairman, Richard Walker, opened the meeting explaining the arguments that would be put forward at the Public Inquiry for concessions on access during July and August. Allan Mendelsohn, of ADL Traffic Engineering Ltd., will present the case for TWTRA, the Harbour Users and for Tenby Sailing Club. He has advised these organisations on the procedures that could be expected at the Public Inquiry. He has also suggested that more weight might be given to spoken submissions from those prepared to stand up and answer questions. Anyone who wants to speak, but could not attend throughout the whole inquiry should attend on the first day and try and book a slot convenient to them. ADL also suggests that anyone wishing to speak at the inquiry, and who has not already made a submission, still has a chance to speak if they apply on the first day; subject to the approval of the Inspector. Copies of ADL's proofs of evidence were passed around. The three groups represented at the meeting were in agreement with a pedestrian scheme, but not with the lack of access allowed in the proposed scheme. Richard Walker explained that this lack of access was having an adverse affect on the town, particularly on the harbour. Members expressed their frustration because even though the harbour had a public slipway, it could not be accessed during the hours of pedestrianisation. "If you are bringing a boat by road and arrive after 11 am you cannot launch it," said Blake Shaw. "Permits have only been issued to harbour users who have a boat and a mooring. The crews or visiting sailors are not allowed to bring in their bulky gear; they are expected to catch the park and ride with wet suit, life jacket, wet clothes etc. This is very unsatisfactory and is discouraging people from using the fantastic sailing waters around the town." Some members have now written to say they are not renewing their sailing club membership due to the hassle. There was a call for all people who used the harbour to be allowed access to load and unload. Blake Shaw explained how a scheme works well in Looe, Cornwall, where there is a traffic-controlled area from 10 am to 6 pm, but where residents and harbour users are allowed access at all times. Alan Mace said: "The harbour is the centre point of holidays in Tenby. It should be used." John Thomas added: "Tenby harbour is a working harbour," and went on to explain how he was refused permission to have a new engine for his boat delivered to the harbour. He explained how he had made 'every effort' to ensure this delivery was made before 11 am, but there were 'unforeseen circumstances'. These were supposedly covered in the guidelines for access, but Mr. Thomas said he had found that, in practice,  'unforeseen circumstances' were seldom accommodated by the Serviceline operators. Marion Hutton then informed the meeting that her Serviceline conversations had been recorded without notice and that this was illegal practice. Everyone agreed that Tenby harbour was the ultimate picturesque scene, with sailing boats providing wonderful photo-opportunities.  Certainly a vibrant working harbour was one of the main assets of the town. It seemed strange to those at the meeting that Pembrokeshire County Council's scheme seemed to deny these facts with harbour access governed by a pedestrianisation scheme, rather than the times of the tide. Although late in the day, those present still hoped for a solution of traffic management in Tenby that enabled the harbour to be fully used and enjoyed. Members felt that the county council's original idea of limiting the number of vehicles entering the walled town between April and September was still their long term goal, but any scheme that was introduced needed to be one that people could work with.

PLANED Meeting

Richard Walker urged everyone to go to the PLANED meeting on May 4 at Church House. All community groups as well as anyone who lives or works in the town are to be invited to an open meeting to put ideas into a draft action plan for the town. This is to follow up earlier workshops to ensure there is a truly representative view of the town for future projects.

Commercial Refuse Bins

Concern was expressed over large blue commercial refuse bins still on pavements around the town. A letter had been written to the county council on January 16 on this and other litter related issues, but no response had been received.

Road Works

With the renewal of electricity cables expected in St, Julians Street due next winter, members asked if this could be better co-ordinated with the works being staggered. Residents did not want to end up with a repeat of this year when three major roads within the Walled Town were dug up at the same time.

Restricted Parking Zone TWTRA informed the meeting that they had received a letter from the county council asking for feedback on a 'Restricted Parking Zone' in the walled town. This was something that TWTRA had pressed for in the past and would result in all yellow lines and associated signs being removed and replaced with a single sign at each entrance to the walled town; parking would only be allowed in marked bays. It would not mean there would be any more or less parking spaces in the town, but considerably less clutter of signs and road markings. The meeting agreed in principle, but was insistent that this should be dependant on a review of parking regulations taking place in advance of the deregulation of parking that was due to be introduced in 2007. This review had been the subject of a, still unanswered, letter from TWTRA dated January 17. The ongoing application for residents parking bays in St Mary's Street was also brought up as an unresolved issue. The three committees urge everyone to support the representations made on their behalf by attending the inquiry in the De Valence Pavilion. TWTRA treasurer Mark Brace said: "Donations to pay for professional fees are also urgently needed. ADL are working for TWTRA, the Sailing Club and Harbour Users' Association. Donations made at the meeting were gratefully received and the fund is building. Allan Mendelsohn is doing a tremendous job for us and we are asking for £30 from each of our members and for donations, however small, from anyone who is sympathetic to this cause. We still have some way to go, but I was delighted with the amount of money raised at this meeting." Donations can be sent to Mark Brace at Grey Rock House, St. Julians Street. Supporters are also invited to 'Drop In' for a coffee or glass of wine to Lexden House, St. Julian Street, Tenby (opposite Morris Brothers) between 11 am and 3.30 pm tomorrow (Saturday). The purpose is to boost TWTRA funds to pay for ADL fees for the Public Inquiry - the hostess apologises in advance for the ubiquitous raffle!