Nick Ainger MP has called on Pembrokeshire County Council to hold a public inquiry into the Tenby pedestrianisation scheme following the council's decision not to make a permanent traffic order to implement the scheme. Instead an experimental order will be used, temporarily avoiding the need for an inquiry, but still not addressing the concerns of many residents of Tenby over the form of the scheme.
In a letter dated March 18 2003, Nick Ainger told the council that the regulations covering a permanent traffic order meant an inquiry had to be held to address concerns about the loading and unloading of vehicles. Though the council originally denied this was the case, they have now issued a temporary order, apparently accepting that any permanent order would need a public inquiry.
Speaking from his Westminister Office, Nick Ainger MP said:
"There is a process set out in regulations which must be followed. Holding a public inquiry is the legally correct and practical thing to do. There are many good arguments for having a pedestrianisation scheme in Tenby, but the serious concerns raised by many residents and businesses over the current form of the scheme need to be addressed.
"The council cannot continue to use experimental traffic orders indefinitely and so I have written again to the county council seeking confirmation that they will hold a public inquiry.
"I have been in touch with all shades of opinion on this issue and I think an inquiry to consider the concerns of residents and businesses could produce an improved scheme which meets Tenby's unique circumstances.
"Not only that, but the council risks the great expense of a court case being brought against it by not holding a public inquiry when the regulations clearly require it. The same is true if it continues to use 'experimental' orders. Nobody wants council taxpayers' money wasted on defending the indefensible.
"The report given to the cabinet meeting which discussed the proposals on June 23, also claimed that there is 'very little case law' to guide their decision on a public inquiry. But I have told the council about a very similar pedestrianisation scheme in Tamworth, which was only implemented after a public inquiry was held in 2000.
"What really disappoints me is that if the council had followed my advice back in March, we could have had a public inquiry, modified the scheme and implemented it with a permanent order for this year. Instead, we are left with this experimental order which leaves a number of serious problems for residents and businesses."
"Pembrokeshire County Council must now get on with arranging a public inquiry which should result in an improved scheme next year."