Sir,
I was astonished to read the comments made by Clr. Michael Williams recently regarding second homes in Tenby, and threatening compulsory purchase by local councils. Isn't is about time Tenby embraced the idea that it is a tourist destination, that visitors bring much- needed revenue and jobs for local people. Pembrokeshire's economy is dependent on tourism. When will he grasp that fact and realise visitors need to be made welcome. Give them somewhere to park, somewhere to stay, give them a good holiday experience so they will return, and tell others about your beautiful county, bringing much-needed employment. Second home owners don't come to Tenby to do their own household repairs, we employ local decorators, plumbers, electricians and maintenance men. We eat in local restaurants, we drink in local pubs, we frequent leisure destinations such as Folly Farm and Oakwook, we buy fuel from local petrol stations, we buy newspapers, magazines and books from local newsagents. We buy icecreams, rent deckchairs, go on boat trips, go fishing and play golf, not just in the 'season', but regularly through the year. We also pay council tax which pays councillors' wages and expenses. Need I go on? Tenby businesses are dependent on visitors because without them there would not be a local population who need housing or anything else. We bring jobs and additional income that makes Tenby a viable option for businessmen. We are not as lucky as Clr. Williams. We had to move away to get work and are looking forward to retiring back 'home' to Tenby, or perhaps Mr. Williams won't want us then as, in his opinion, we still won't be contributing to the economy.
Mrs. G. Imber, Second home owner.