Members of Tenby Town Council are deliberating over a request to sign up with the One Voice Wales organisation.

The organisation represents the sector on the 'local government partnership council', ensuring that the role of community and town councils is considered in all relevant matters.

"There are exciting and challenging times ahead for community and town councils in Wales and again one of our main aims over the coming year will be to continue to develop our lobbying and representational roles," wrote One Voice Wales chief executive, Lyn Cadwallader, in correspondence that came before councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night.

In putting a membership proposal to councillors, the town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, said that the fee was rather large, but asked for their input.

"It's not so much the advice that One Voice Wales can provide that we're missing out on, but the representation side of things, as they are the recognised body that the Welsh Assembly listens to," Mr. Davies told councillors.

Clr. Dr. Peter Easy said that on the basis of what was included in the recent Welsh Assembly White Paper Reforming Local Government consultation documents, with a deadline response needed from the town council by the end of April, it would be worthwhile rejoining the One Voice Wales organisation.

"If the town council was to cease in its current form, we ought to know what we would do in such a scenario and form a proper response, as we could be faced with very stark choices in the future," he told his colleagues.

"Clearly there are going to be significant changes, therefore we do need to be engaging with bodies such as One Voice Wales, to start to look a bit more outwards when it comes to delivering services for the town," added Clr. Lawrence Blackhall.

Councillors agreed in principle for the town clerk to sign the town council up to One Voice Wales, but to discuss membership fees further.