Sir, I expect to spark much controversy with this letter. I can only express my personal opinion as a pedestrian (i.e. non-driver) and former wheelchair- pusher around Tenby town centre. How can a medieval grid pattern of streets be expected to cope with 21st century traffic? To demolish the historic town centre, in order to prioritise the 'needs' of drivers, would be unthinkable. If there can be said to have been any positive outcome from the fire at the Royal Gatehouse and the subsequent cordoning off of some areas, necessitating temporary pedestrianisation, it is this: as with high season pedestrianisation, Tenby town centre is now a 100 per cent safer environment for pedestrians of all types - families with prams and small children, the elderly and disabled (whether wheelchair-bound or not) and just plain, individual, able-bodied strollers like me. Despite recent widening of pavements in High Street, our pavements are still too narrow to accommodate prams or wheelchairs sufficiently. When I pushed my late father in his wheelchair, around town, I was frequently obliged to use the roads rather than pavements and some motorists responded so angrily to this it almost amounted to road rage. It's a wonder that, to date, there haven't been several serious accidents involving both pedestrians and cars. Apart from access for the emergency services, doctors and other medical and homecare visitors; for residents living within the walled town; deliveries to businesses; and taxis, it is my opinion that Tenby town centre would be an infinitely improved environment with permanent pedestrianisation in place. Many larger town centres throughout Britain have long been pedestrianised and we could create an extra car-parking facility by building another multi- storey on the site of the old Tenby Cottage Hospital. On a regular basis, I see many, local Tenby-ites walking about (even from as far out as The Glebe) out of choice, rather than using their cars in the town: it is quicker, easier and healthier. While some businesses have been temporarily affected by the cordoning off - and I hope they receive compensation - since the above is the case, i.e. that both locals and low-mid-season visitors tend to walk, rather than drive, around Tenby town centre, I sincerely trust that local businesses would not suffer if my proposal (which I know is a view shared by some residents within the town walls) was to be taken seriously and implemented.
Anne-Ruth Alton, Tenby.