Sir,
On Monday, April 20, a public meeting was held at Tenby Junior School, to discuss the concerns of residents and find a solution to the traffic problem within the proximity of Tenby's three main schools.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Andrew Davies, town clerk. Tenby Town Council was represented by Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, Mayor, and Mr. John Price, traffic manager for Pembrokeshire County Council, was also present.
Part of the meeting discussed the traffic flow in Serpentine Road. One of the proposals suggested was the painting of a white line painted down the west side footpath 1.2 metres from the garden walls, designating a pedestrian side and a vehicle side. Much discussion took place on its pros and cons, but no decision was agreed.
At the end of the meeting, the Mayor thanked everyone for attending, and stated that she had listened to all suggestions made and would report them back to full council for their consideration; this included the proposed white line.
At 10 am on Tuesday, April 21, Pembrokeshire County Council painted the white line. I spoke to the Mayor and clerk later that day and they were as surprised as we were.
This leaves me with three questions:
1. Does Pembrokeshire County Council by their action, now condone the parking of vehicles on a footpath? (Could I use this as a defence, if reported for obstruction).
2. Did the traffic manager know this was going to take place? If not then why not, someone in his department must have signed the works order.
3. Why did Pembrokeshire County Council not inform Tenby Town Council that his was going to take place?
What is the point of having a public meeting if the decision to implement the white line suggestion had already been approved? Have Pembrokeshire County Council approved other suggestions that they have not informed the residents and town council about?
David T. Morgan,
Tenby.