Tenby councillors have backed the financial commitment that the Town Council makes to the Ironman Wales event, stating that the ‘positives outweigh the negatives’.

A new host sponsorship agreement with Ironman Ltd was approved back in 2021 with Pembrokeshire County Council for a five year term from 2022 to 2026 to keep the sporting triathlon in the area.

A delegated decision report, published back then, stated that as part of the arrangements, PCC will pay £65,000 a year to the Ironman Wales organisers, as well as continuing to provide ‘in kind’ services for the event.

Tenby Town Council also commits £5,000 a year to the event, the only community/town council in the locality to do so.

Following a backlash against the sporting event being held earlier this year, the organisers of Ironman Wales and PCC moved back in March to confirm that the date for 2024’s triathlon in Tenby would be held later in September.

Nearly 90 businesses in Tenby had signed a petition opposing the fact that Ironman Wales would be held earlier this year (Sunday, September 3), with correspondence sent to Pembrokeshire County Council from traders questioning the ‘integrity’ of the local authority in making such a decision without consultation.

Concerns were raised by local councillors and businesses that holding the event on the tail end of the school holidays, would impact on the end of the summer season, with those concerned questioning as to whether this would bring as much benefit to the local economy.

Many businesses were also left unhappy that the pedestrianisation scheme was also halted on the Saturday before the event, again with seemingly no consultation from PCC with traders.

At this month’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, following the Ironman event, a review was conducted amongst councillors as to where monies were held.

Cllr Emma Lewis noted the payment to Ironman, and she said whilst she understands that many make money from the event, it can be ‘quite disruptive’ for other businesses.

“Our contribution is a lot of money considering where we spend other finances,” she told her fellow councillors.

Cllr. Laurence Blackhall pointed out that the Town Council was committed to this level of funding until the next negotiation over whether or not the contract is renewed.

He said that he was aware that Tenby is the only town or community council that puts money in the pot, but he was of the option that it was a relatively small amount given at the time the last contract was negotiated as a ‘good will gesture’.

He took on board that there is disruption. But looking at the event, he felt it brought in millions of pounds to the Pembrokeshire economy.

“It allows us to show off the town and county at its best and brings people down. Athletes themselves have admitted to coming to Tenby sometimes four times a year to train on the course. It also extends the season,” he stated.

“There has also been an impact locally. We have cycling clubs, triathlon clubs and swimming clubs locally that were just not there before Ironman and Long Course Weekend,” continued Cllr. Blackhall, who ventured that these events had done more for local public health, particularly men’s health, than any public health intervention by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

“We have the best atmosphere and it’s where the athletes want to be!”

He added that Cardiff had been actively lobbying to take Ironman from Pembrokeshire for some years, and the Town Council’s funding was a token gesture of goodwill to ensure it remained in Tenby.

“Of course, we have now proven our commitment so perhaps we don’t need to continue our financial support during the next negotiation,” he added.

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall echoed these views, stating that she thoroughly enjoyed and supported the event.

“Granted there were issues with the date this year, but we have been promised that this can never happen again. Next year it will be September 22,” she said.

“Those who say their business is negatively impacted on the day need to look before and after the event. Speaking to athletes they say that there is no place like it and that is why they come down time and time again,” continued Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall who felt, personally, that the ‘positives outweigh the negatives’.

It was suggested that perhaps Ironman could consider putting something back into the town, for example by sponsoring the North Beach toilets given the iconic importance of the swim start off the beach, to ensure that the facilities under threat from closure by Pembrokeshire County Council, remain open.