Prices being hiked up for harbour users at Tenby has seen one of the seaside town’s county councillors write to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader highlighting concerns raised in the community amongst locals.

The picturesque harbour which is owned and managed by the Local Authority, is often referred to at the ‘jewel in Pembrokeshire’s crown’.

However, a lack of investment and TLC in recent years for the facility has seen PCC come in for criticism from Tenby Harbour Users Association, as well as local councillors.

Heading into the summer, county councillor for Tenby’s North Ward Cllr Michael Williams slammed Pembrokeshire Council’s for letting parts of the picturesque area become an ‘eyesore’.

Now, Cllr Williams has taken aim at the authority once again to convey his growing concern about proposed changes in lease arrangements for harbour stores, which he states could lead to ‘animosity’ amongst local users.

In correspondence sent to PCC Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, Cllr Williams stated: “As you are aware the harbour is to a great extent a working harbour with a flourishing commercial fishing sector and a number of passenger vessel operators, plus the vital need to service the community of Caldey over a twelve-month period.

“It also needs pointing out that approximately 90% of mooring holders are local residents unlike other harbours in the area that are increasingly populated by people from outside the County.

“Unfortunately, the continuing increase in rental levels together with the proposed changes to annual tenancy agreements is putting increased pressure on local mooring holders.

“The argument promoted by PCC is that there is a market demand for these properties, and this is correct.

“Currently the existing small harbour businesses need stores to continue to operate and we should encourage these micro businesses to survive and thrive.

“The changing of tenancy agreements and ever-increasing rentals that are well above current inflation levels threaten their viability and very existence,” he continued.

“Part of your portfolio is business generation and promotion, and I look to you for support. I also look for a cooperative working between harbour users and PCC, and I must remind the authority of the binding recommendations of the Government appointed inspector at the last public enquiry which strongly supported the users when they objected to unreasonable increases in dues.

“It is so important that we don't go back to the previous levels of animosity which prevailed at one time,” added Cllr Williams.