Residents and business owners of Saundersfoot are being urged to attend a public meeting, which will address concerns over the Ironman Wales sporting triathlon being held earlier this year.

Soon after last year’s event, Ironman Wales organisers announced that 2023’s triathlon will take place earlier on September 3, but questions were asked by businesses and councillors in Tenby, as to whether this would bring as much benefit to the local economy, by not holding the event beyond the summer holidays, effectively extending the season in the area.

Concerns have been flagged-up that much holiday accommodation will already have been booked up, leaving a large number of holidaymakers and Ironman competitors and their entourages unable to book anything in the last week of August.

Pembrokeshire County Council have confirmed that the original date planned for the 2023 Ironman Wales event was September 10. However, due to ‘available tides’ and ‘other factors’ the date subsequently settled on was September 3, with the local authority stating that this was the only date available in 2023.

“Pembrokeshire County Council appreciates that the date of September 3 is not ideal and feedback has been provided to Ironman Wales to be considered for future event planning to ensure the date avoids the school holidays period,” said a spokesperson for PCC.

Now, Saundersfoot’s councty councillor for the south ward Cllr Chris Williams has arranged a meeting this month to discuss the matter.

“Recently, there have been many comments regarding the date of the 2023 Ironman Wales Event coinciding with the peak time of the summer holidays and the possible negative ramifications of the clash,” he stated.

“Whilst I personally support events being held within the County, I feel it is only right, as your County Council representative, to listen to the views of individuals and business owners who would be directly affected if the event takes place.

“To this end, and in order that I may have a better understanding and appreciation of the effects and repercussions such a major event has upon our communities, I am proposing to hold an open public meeting to listen to any concerns people may have.”

The meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm at the Regency Hall

Also present at the meeting will be a representative from Saundersfoot Community Council, along with fellow County Councillors.