A lack of Local Authority investment in basic services across Tenby has let down the seaside town in recent years, a local county councillor has stated.
Cllr Michael Williams, member for Tenby North ward, has called for street furniture in the town centre to be replaced, as well as an upgrade to pavements and road surfaces, after recently tabling a question at full council recently, asking what capital spending was planned for the seaside town.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy leader and cabinet member for place, the region and climate change, Cllr Paul Miller said that ‘£38.3million’ was either included or in the process of being included in the ‘current capital programme’ that related to Tenby.
At the meeting, last month, Cllr Williams said he was happy with the response but asked for a “breakdown” in writing “of where this money is anticipated to be spent.”
His response from the PA to the County Council’s Chief Executive showed that within the capital programme spend for Tenby, £160,00 of funding has been earmarked for the harbour sluice, with a further £99,000 for harbour infrastructure such as enhancing ladders, railings and bollards; and £52,500 earmarked for beach enhancement (towards access routes and handrails etc).
Over £2million has been set out towards transportation projects; whilst £32,000 will go towards planned structural works and repairs at St Teilo’s School.
£35,800,00 will go towards the Housing Revenue Account for the proposed 144 housing development at Brynhir.
“Tenby is rightly regarded as the iconic tourist destination in Wales, and we have in recent times benefited from considerable private sector investment, but there is a strong belief in the area that we are being let down by a lack of Local Authority investment in basic services and this must be addressed,” said Cllr Williams.
“There is an urgent need to replace street furniture within the town centre, together with an upgrading of the footpaths and road surface, which in a number of areas is unsafe for pedestrians. An upgrade has been carried out in St Georges Street which has hugely improved pedestrian safety.
“This work should be urgently carried out in all areas where the failing surface blocks are in place,” he added.
Cllr Williams has also asked for clarity on the cost of replacing Tenby swimming pool, and also enquired as to whether the re-sighting of the pool from the Leisure Centre to Ysgol Greenhill has been considered?