Despite the Local Authority leading a promotional campaign to push opportunities for more pop-up stalls at Tenby’s Market Hall in the lead up to Christmas - further issues with the facility’s leaky roof has seen the county councillor for the ward hit out at the Local Authority this week for ‘decades of neglect’ at the Hall that lies in the heart of the seaside town.

“I think people that know me are aware that I like to get things done rather than just moaning - however as a County Councillor, I find it so frustrating that so many of the problems that I encounter are the result of decades of neglect,” posted county councillor for Tenby’s south ward Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall on social media in light of fresh concerns over the market’s roof over the festive period.

“I am sad that Tenby’s Market full of fantastic traders, has yet again had water pouring through its leaking roof.

“People have talked and talked about how important a market is to Tenby but nothing has been done. There are hopes for the future but the roof is leaking now,” she continued, stating that she had organised a meeting with Pembrokeshire Council’s Head of Property Services, along with traders to look at what can be done straight away over December.

“The traders have been let down for too long. Years and years of pushing it under the carpet!” she added.

Concerns about the condition of the iconic historic market building – home of one of the oldest markets in Pembrokeshire - which sits inside the Walled Town on High Street, have previously been raised with local politicians and councillors, with the county council – which has responsibility for maintaining it – coming in for criticism.

Last year, Tenby’s county councillor for the north ward Cllr Michael Williams put forward a notice of motion to PCC for urgent attention to stop the Grade II-listed building from deteriorating further, calling for a full structural survey to be carried out.

“The building is a listed building of considerable historical significance in the town centre, which has sadly lacked investment over many years,” stated Cllr Williams.

“There is an urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of this iconic building which has lacked any meaningful investment for many years.”

“Currently the roof leaks, with traders having to frequently mop up rainwater, and the existing roof ventilation does not work, meaning traders have to operate in extremes of temperature.”

Recently it was revealed that PCC were said to be currently ‘engaged in discussions’ with developers that are working nearby to convert the former TP Hughes department store into a hotel and restaurant, in the hope it will help achieve required repairs to the market’s roof.

Giving an update on matters, a spokesperson for PCC told the Observer last month: “Due to the age and type of property, significant investment is required to repair, sustain and protect Tenby Market.

“Traders are being kept informed and we will remain in contact with them as discussions progress.”