Sir,

I was very pleased to meet the Swedish Folk Dance Group which visited and performed in Tenby last week. They came from Visby, on the island of Gotland, the only Swedish walled town, and had chosen to come to our town because Visby became one of the early members of the Walled Towns Friendship Circle.

Next week, the 13th International Walled Towns Symposium takes place in Waterford, Ireland, with four members of the original secretariat from Tenby attending, including John Beynon, hon. museum curator who will be representing the Mayor. More than 100 delegates from right across Europe are expected to participate.

It is a pity that the Walled Town Residents Association decided against becoming an associate member, especially as the original purpose of the WTFC was to create a forum to consider the challenges of walled towns, all of which inevitably have had to cope with the conflicting problems of pedestrianisation and traffic. Where acceptable compromises have been reached, the towns have benefited from the improved environment and the traders have prospered from the growth in tourism.

Perhaps the time has come for the TWTRA to take a positive stance on the traffic restrictions and consider the ensuing benefits for our ancient walled town. Many people living further afield in Pembrokeshire have for years avoided coming to Tenby in August because the traffic in town was impossible. Soon they will be able to park and ride and join in the relaxed summer holiday traffic-free atmosphere.

Peter L. Osborne MBE,

Hon. Life-President,

Walled Towns

Friendship Circle.