Amended plans for a new pier and pontoon at Tenby Harbour have been given the thumbs up by local councillors.

Members of Tenby Town Council initially approved the plans submitted by Pembrokeshire County Council for the construction of a pedestrian pier, bridge and pontoon perpendicular to the north side of the outer pier at Tenby Harbour, when they came before members back in November.

However, councillors learnt last month that the planned proposals, which had come in for criticism from some councillors and members of Tenby Sailing Club, had been withdrawn by the authority.

At Tuesday night's meeting of the town council, a new application for the scheme was tabled, with councillors again split on whether they should recommend approval or refusal to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Clr. Mrs. Trisha Putwain believed that the plans should be rejected because they were out of character with the rest of the harbour and that the cost of upkeep for the new scheme could be high.

She also claimed that the tides were so erratic in that spot that it could be dangerous, with Mayor, Clr. Trevor Hallett, agreeing and suggesting that the funds for the project could be better spent elsewhere in Tenby harbour.

The county council previously stated that the project would improve access to 'tripping' boats operating out of the harbour, taking visitors to Caldey Island, on sightseeing cruises and fishing trips, and also provide a facility for visiting yachts to be able to gain access to the shore, either by directly mooring to the pontoon or by utilising a tender having anchored offshore.

The authority also indicated that the current arrangements were inaccessible to people with a disability at any time.

Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown didn't think the scheme would do the town and harbour any harm.

"If the money is there from Pembrokeshire County Council, then why not use it; the project might prove us wrong and last a very long time," remarked Clr. Paul Rapi in agreement with his colleague.

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter said that the authority had a duty of care to look after the disabled, so if the project helped in any way, then she was all for it.

When put to the vote, the majority of councillors agreed to approve the proposals.