Tenby county councillor and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park vice-chairman, Michael Williams, has called for urgent works to be taken to improve the condition of a listed building in the town.

Clr. Williams feels the time has come to carry out the necessary works needed to preserve the Royal Gatehouse in White Lion Street before it is too late to save it.

"I believe that the time has now arrived when draconian action must be taken on two counts - one, to protect the public; two, to try to preserve it, before it is too late to save a very fine listed building," stated Clr. Williams.

The National Park Authority resolved several weeks ago to serve a notice of disrepair on the owner of the hotel, but as of yet, no works have taken place. "If no works were undertaken, it is my understanding that the National Park Authority would step in and carry out these necessary works," said Clr. Williams, who has requested an update on the authority's present position and has also contacted the county council's director of transportation and environment, Mr. Ian Westley, about the matter.

"The condition of the building is causing great concern in the town, and it appears to have deteriorated considerably during the recent bad weather, with pedestrians crossing the road to avoid walking under the scaffolding in The Norton," claimed Clr. Williams.

"It also appears that a vehicle has collided with one of the supporting pillars in White Lion Street, causing a piece of what appears to be scaffolding tube to protrude in a dangerous manner.

"In light of the fact that National Park have recently resolved to serve a notice of disrepair on the owner, might I suggest a joint approach to at least ameliorate the situation.

"As I understand it, it is a criminal offence to neglect a listed building. If I am correct, then CADW should be contacted and urged as the responsible body in this instance to undertake the appropriate proceedings," added Clr. Williams, who has asked the county council for an urgent inspection of the building.

When contacted by the Observer, a spokesperson for the county council said:

"Pembrokeshire County Council, under powers contained in section 78 of the Building Act 1984, is in the process of carrying out emergency works to provide temporary support to the porch roof serving the main entrance foyer of The Royal Gatehouse Hotel, Tenby."