A county councillor has claimed that people in some parts of Pembrokeshire are still continuously treated like ‘poor relations’ - with the Local Authority seeing the likes of Tenby as nothing more than a ‘cash cow’ for their coffers, with no meaningful investment in the locality.

Cllr Rhys Jordan who represents the wards of St Florence and St Mary Out Liberty [New Hedges] - communities on the outskirts of Tenby, has aimed fire at Pembrokeshire County Council over its continual lack of investment in infrastructure for such towns and villages, compared to other areas such as Haverfordwest.

“For far too long, the South East has been treated as nothing more than a cash cow, propping up the finances of the county while receiving little to nothing in return from this administration,” he stated.

“Money has been no object in the county town of Haverfordwest, with a multi-million-pound bridge to connect to failing shopping areas and, of course, the multi-storey car park masquerading as a transport interchange that no one will use.

“If ever there was a need for a transport interchange, it’s in Tenby - where millions flock each year. If ever there was a need for a bridge, it’s in Gumfreston, where persistent flooding cuts off vital access to our town.

“Yet the same investment rules don’t seem to apply to us - the poor relations in the South East of Pembrokeshire!

“The people of Tenby and South East Pembrokeshire deserve better than vague assurances and indefinite delays.”

Cllr Jordan recently made his feelings clear once again on the situation on the B4318 at Gumfreston which is prone to persistent flooding during adverse weather conditions, leading to road closures that disrupt travel and pose safety risks for residents and motorists, entering and exiting Tenby.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting of PCC recently, when discussing implementing a road closure alert system at the regularly flood-hit road, Cllr Jordan said there was a need for “a long-term infrastructure solution” to address the issues, but admitted that the recommendation was a “pragmatic” improvement given the council’s limited resources.

“It’s a step in the right direction but disappointing that it has taken a year of me asking and many years of people suffering to get to the situation today,” he stated.

“It will not solve the problem but at least will provide some mitigation. The residents deserve better planning and better outcomes.”

He has also taken aim at Local Authority officers on a lack of any updates on any progress towards plans to upgrade Tenby Swimming Pool, based at the town’s leisure centre, owned by Pembrokeshire Council.

“The pool is now another year older and another day closer to possible failure,” remarked Cllr Jordan.

“If the council is serious about regeneration, then it needs to prove it by prioritising projects that actually matter to the people who live here.

“The failure to safeguard Tenby Swimming Pool would not just be a blow to our community - it would be a failure of leadership and responsibility,” he added.