Long Course Weekend organisers have been working towards ensuring that Tenby is fully accessible by early afternoon during its cycling event next month, local councillors were informed this week.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby town council, the clerk Andrew Davies told members that event organisers Activity Wales Events had taken on board feedback in response to consultations with Pembrokeshire County Council to slightly amend road closures that had been proposed to see that Tenby would be fully accessible by 1 pm on Saturday, July 6, the day of the Wales Sportive.

It was recently announced that the cycling event this year would have comprehensive road closures, restrictions and diversions in place for those taking part for the first time in the event’s 10 year history.

“The Wales Sportive race will now start half an hour earlier ti try and ensure that Tenby is fully accessible by 1 pm,” said Mr. Davies.

“Motorists might not be able to use the roads they would normally use, but you will be able to get to where you need to go.

“The organisers will have a dedicated mobile phone on site on the day of the event to communicate with the likes of carers needing access etc.

“Potential issues involving postal delivery services for that day have now too been resolved,” he continued.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall thanked the event organisers for responding to feedback on issues the planned road closures might present.

“The Long Course was born in Tenby, and the organisers have always tried to respond to any issues and concerns raised. Obviously there may be more issues that come around on the day, but I’m confident that they’ll be able to hear any views and respond,” he said.

Mr. Davies said that the LCW organisers were also working towards making the triathlon a plastic free event within two years.

“This year athletes will be given goody bags made from recycled coffee bags and tyres - which are very interesting to look at,” he commented.

For this year’s Ironman Wales event which takes place on September 15 - extra crowd control measures will be in place for busier parts of the course where supporters gather, including - St Brides Hill in Saundersfoot, The Green in Tenby, and the start of the swim on North Beach.

“With another 200 athletes taking part this year - it is estimated that could mean an extra 600 spectators, going by the rule that each competitor brings three family members along for support,” explained Mr. Davies, adding that he’d had a meeting with representatives from PCC, and the police and fire services on the matter.

Road closures will also be in place once again for the annual Tenby 10k race next month the clerk told councillors.

The race which takes place on Sunday, July 28, beginning at 11 am, will see rolling closures in place in and around the resort between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm, for the 10k which starts and ends in Tudor Square.