Sir,
I have lived for more than 50 years within walking distance of Sainburys, Tesco, Kwiksave and Marks and Spencers. I have now returned to my roots and can stroll to the Spar, Londis, an excellent butchers, greengrocers, ironmongers, chemist, hairdressers, off-licence, newsagents, sub-post office, clothes and general shops and, of course, gift shops, cafes, hotels and welcoming pubs.
If a supermarket, such as Tesco, is built at New Hedges, many of these small businesses will not survive and the heart will go out of the village.
If these shops cannot provide sufficient choice, there is Somerfields in Tenby and the Co-op in Kilgetty - and free bus passes for OAPs from next month. For those with cars, parking is free at the Co-op and cheap at Somerfields (who will also deliver orders of over £20 for free).
I applaud Mike Evans for the way in which he continually campaigns for an 'all seasons and wet weather' facility in the area. That is the one, major, missing amenity here.
When the sun shines by day and the evenings are warm, visitors are happy to sit and stroll on the beaches, on the harbour and around the shops, which are often open until 10 pm. But when the weather is bad, there is nothing to do, nowhere to go.
Many young families have passed my windows, wet and miserable, children fractious and parents fed up, probably mentally counting the considerable financial cost of a 'seaside' holiday in August.
Oh yes, we do desperately need a wet weather facility, so why can't it be built at New Hedges, to serve Saundersfoot, Tenby and the surrounding settlement and innumerable caravan sites? The permanent residents would benefit, too, during the long and often wet winters!
Dot Ridley,
15 The Strand,
Saundersfoot.