A County Councillor has slammed members of Pembroke Town Council for objecting to proposals for the second phase of Pembrokeshire County Council’s South Quay regeneration scheme in the town.

In a further dig, County Councillor for the town’s St Mary North ward Cllr Jon Harvey aimed comments at the Town Council on social media, referencing the 2020 matter when 13 out of 15 members voted to keep a portrait of ex-mayor and convicted child rapist David Boswell on public display in the Town Hall where they hold meetings, rejecting to get rid of the portrait permanently, instead deciding to keep the image on display but with it turned around instead, with his name on the back.

On the back of the decision, Cllr Harvey who was a member of the Town Council at the time tendered his immediate resignation, and walked out of the meeting.

In a public meeting held at Pembroke Town Hall on May 22, members of the Town Council discussed the planning application for Phase 2 of the South Quay scheme.

Chaired by Pembroke Mayor Cllr Aden Brinn, those present felt the development was not in keeping with the historic character of the town.

Members also agreed that the proposal to locate a ‘Social Services’ hub at the quayside was totally inappropriate and would not benefit the regeneration of the town.

There were various concerns and criticisms about the overall location of the ‘Hub,’ as well the proposed height, the materials to be used and fears the new building could detract from and adversely dominate the existing historic focal points, such as the churches or the castle.

Commenting on the Observer article posted on the ‘Pembrokeshire Council Watch’ Facebook group, Cllr Harvey, who is also the Local Authority’s cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, remarked: “Putting aside any legitimate concerns about the design, scale and massing of the proposed building, why would the Town Council object to a proposed facility that is designed to help people with learning disabilities and providing a day service for older people?

“Perhaps they are of the view that such residents should be hidden away somewhere?!!! Surely everyone is part of our community. I believe also that it will also bring additional footfall and spend in to the town which is much needed.”

Responding to the comments, town councillor Jonathan Grimes, who is also County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said he wanted to clarify members’ stance, stating: “For clarification - the town council has never said no to a Social Services hub in Pembroke - we believe that locating this hub in an existing (redundant) council property - such as East End School or Riverside would be more cost effective and allow for the South Quay site to be developed as a cafe culture area by the water for the benefit of everyone.

“It’s really unfair and disappointing for you to misrepresent the Town Council in this way,” he commented.

Cllr Harvey retorted: “Not as disappointing as the Town Councils decision some time ago to continue hanging a convicted paedophile's portrait in the Town Hall, a decision you voted in favour of if I recall! It was only subsequently taken down following a public outcry at that decision.

“You will forgive me, therefore, if I am a little sceptical of the reasons behind this objection,” he added.

At the meeting to discuss the planning proposals for South Quay, Town Councillor Linda Asman, said that that the historic town of Pembroke was designated a Conservation Area in 1972, calling for any redevelopment to be “in a manner that is in keeping with the scale and character of the area”.

The meeting also received written responses to the planning application from the Trustees of Pembroke Castle and The Pembroke Civic Trust – both echoing the comments and concerns of the town council.

Cllr Grimes added: “Pembroke is crying out for regeneration and whilst we welcome the eventual completion of Phase 1, the placement of a social services hub in such a prominent area is totally unacceptable.”

“South Quay needs to be utilised as a recreational public space – somewhere that will attract visitors and ultimately increase footfall into other areas of the town.”

It was resolved that Pembroke Town Council would voice its strong objections to the current plans.