County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams has arranged a meeting with Pembrokeshire Council’s Public Realm Manager on Friday, November 15, to discuss concerns raised amongst residents and business owners on the impact that road closures for sporting events held annually are having on local communities.

Cllr Williams explained that since the end of the Long Course Weekend held back in June, he’d had many conversations with residents and businesses to gauge their views and experiences including the impact of the road closure through the village, and closures from Summerhill to New Hedges.

“The views of all residents on this route, along with those on the Strand should be part of any debate, and I feel that this has been taken for granted for far too long,” he said.

“As an event organiser myself, I have always been open to new events being given the opportunity to have a positive influence on our community.

“Unfortunately, the vast majority of the views from persons I spoke with was that the LCW wasn’t delivering any benefit.

“On the day of the bike ride I personally witnessed the centre of the village being effectively ‘fenced off’ with very few spectators watching the race.

“There were empty shops, beer gardens, car parks and empty streets that has resulted in a backlash for the event. Even St Brides Hill was noticeably quieter despite the best efforts of the Samba Doc.

“This was in stark contrast to the following day which saw Saundersfoot experience a very busy Sunday.”

Cllr Williams said that the resulting lack of footfall was primarily down to the ‘extensive road closures’ throughout the south of the county which makes access to the seaside village difficult.

“My role is to listen to its residents and businesses and work hard on forming links so that everyone benefits,” he continued.

“I’m struggling to see the benefits of this event and will therefore work extremely hard to ensure that Saundersfoot remains fully operational next June.

“I have informed PCC officers that I cannot support road closures and will ask officers at PCC to look at an alternative route.

“This position has been adopted before with the residents of Angle, Narberth and more recently the businesses in Tenby town.

“Other County Councillors whose wards are affected are of the same opinion that the LCW is no longer supported in its current format and route and change is needed,” he added.