Last week, saw the 34th meeting of the Tenby Walled Town Residents Association and it is remarkable how a group born out of the feeling of lack of consultation by Pembrokeshire County Council on pedestrianisation has evolved to become influential in many improvements within the walls of Tenby. TWTRA's detailed suggestions on street enhancement, cliff and garden improvements and conservation have been adopted. The challenge of trying to redress the balance of anti-social behaviour on the town has been met with residents keeping records of problems and then resolving matters directly with the landlord or taking them to the licensing authority to adjudicate. The association reminds members to make representations 'premises-specific' when writing to the licensing authority about any variation, renewal or new licence applications. Members are trying to assess the social impact of all the changes in licensing and drinking on the streets, made possible by the euphemistic 'café culture' during pedestrianisation, on the fabric of the town. Also the association now has two town councillors on their committee, Caroline Thomas and county councillor Mike Evans, who has invited TWTRA members to send residents' concerns to him in writing. At the last meeting various matters were discussed: Blue Trade Waste Bins: There appears to be a proliferation of blue trade waste bins on the streets and pavements of Tenby. These cause an obstruction and do nothing to enhance the image presented to our visitors. Some are licensed by the council, such as that in the garden adjacent to Nana's restaurant, but not all. The association has written to the county council to ask which bins have been authorised. Brother Thomas's Garden: The county council, which has recently taken on all garden maintenance in town, is looking for a key holder to open and close Brother Thomas's Garden in Crackwell Street and volunteers are invited. Concern was expressed at the phantom dog owner who daily lobs a small bag of dog mess into the garden as they walk pass. This anti-social behaviour must stop and reflects poorly on considerate dog owners. High Street enhancement : Members had noticed that as there was a considerable level difference between the old and new road levels outside Morris Brothers as part of the High Street works and a temporary barrier would have to be maintained until the road was lowered as part of a later phase of the works. Traffic wardens: Clr. Mike Evans gave notice that the county council intended to 'decriminaliae' traffic parking regulations in Tenby and to take over their enforcement. Traffic wardens would then be employed directly by the county council. As 'illegal' parking was common practice in Tenby by residents, shoppers, and customers of the pubs and restaurants and by visitors, it would be a 'hot spot' for any warden to book cars and to swell the county coffers. TWTRA committee members suggested that prior to this implementation, a general review of all regulations should be urgently undertaken so that all regulations that were in place properly reflect what the authorities wanted to be enforced. For example, the use of single yellow lines to reflect where parking would be permitted outside the working day, the use of 'no loading' regulations where this was felt appropriate and the reintroduction of seasonal yellow lines that were used in Tenby up to four years ago, and still are used in Saundersfoot. It was felt that if double yellow lines were only used where absolutely necessary, motorists would be more inclined to take notice of them as they would know where they stand. The 'access only' and '10 am to 4 pm restriction of vehicles over 7.5-tonne' regulations should either be enforced or amended to reflect what is practical. The possibility of metered parking in Tudor Square for shoppers also needed to be brought forward for consideration. Cliff enhancement: The work to enhance the cliffs at North Beach were seen to be progressing and it was agreed to write to the county council congratulating them on the extremely high standard of their work. Residents parking in St. Mary's Street: The association is still making representations for residents' parking in St. Mary's Street, despite initial delays and confusion. Pedestrianisation: Many members who had objected to a permanent order were confused by the letters sent to them by the county council, and also by the advertised notice as to what to do in response to the announcement of a public inquiry. TWTRA's revised understanding was that all objections sent to the county council last May do not have to be re- submitted to the planning inspectorate for them to be considered in the public inquiry. However, new representations can be made by anyone interested and anyone can add to their earlier objection or 'deregister' (withdraw) it at this stage. To avoid any doubt it seems advisable for everyone to write to the planning inspectorate, to state that their objection is still live and valid, at The Planning Inspectorate, Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ, concerning permanent pedestrianisation by January 27. Be sure to note April 24-27 in your diaries for the actual inquiry at the De Valence and February 14 for the pre-inquiry meeting. If you are new to the area or already a resident and would like more information on TWTRA you can sign up for their newsletter at [email protected]">[email protected]), call 01834 843195, or go to their next open meeting on January 6, at 7 pm in Church House, Upper Frog Street.
