Councillors in Tenby have requested a meeting with Pembrokeshire County Council’s chief property officer to discuss the future of the town’s market.

Last year members of Tenby Town Council agreed to set set up a working party to look at opportunities that could be provided through a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ of the resort’s high street market.

Clr. Mike Evans told his fellow members at the time, that everyone on the town council were all aware of the market and its importance to Tenby, but there were, he felt, opportunities for them to look at to make it even better and more profitable.

He explained that he was not advocating the market be taken over by the private sector but believed that the town council could look at the building and have a better vision for Tenby. Clr. Evans went onto say that he felt that the market could be a key driver within community and, if the town council worked with PCC, they could access funding to make it a stronger more viable part of Tenby thereby giving more security for tenants there.

At a recent meeting of the town council, the town clerk informed members that he had received correspondence from PCC’s Helen McLeod-Baikie, which read as follows: “I was wondering whether you could provide me with an update on the Town Council’s interest in working in partnership with the Council and the market traders to improve/invest in Tenby market.

“I have made some enquiries with building maintenance regarding the condition survey, they do not currently hold such a document, however, they are procuring one from an external party, as soon as I receive a copy, I will share this with you.

“Also, I would be grateful if you could confirm whether the Town Council is able to take a much more active role in the day to day management of the market,” she added.

In response to the correspondence, Clr. Evans said he had been having a different conversation on the market at County Hall to what Mrs. McLeod-Baikie was suggesting.

He said obviously, the suggestion that the town council take a more active role in the management was reflective of the fact that PCC’s property department was one of the most affected by staff shortages. It appeared PCC were willing to keep liability but just needed help on a daily basis.

“We are only working on this as we want the market to thrive and prosper in its current location,” remarked Clr. Evans.

“There are opportunities to improve the market but PCC must understand that any suggestion to move from the current location is non- negotiable. This is an interesting proposal but I would like to know the background of why this is proposed. Our personnel committee will need to ensure we have the staff,” he told his fellow councillors.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall said he too had been caught off-guard by the correspondence, but agreed, as it stands, that PCC should retain all liabilities, but it appeared they needed the town council’s assistance.

“We have indicated our commitment and expectations - let’s look at it with a view to seeing if we can be helpful,” he commented.

“There is potential there and it could be a way in which other services are delivered in partnership with TTC and PCC in the future.”

Clr. Paul Rapi asked if the correspondence was real as it appeared to go against everything PCC had previously said. So long as we do not sign up to anything that commits us to fixing the roof it would be interesting to see what she means by a more hands on approach,” he stated.

Clr. Evans suggested returning to PCC stating that the town council were there to work with them to safeguard the future of market in its current location. He also suggested inviting Mrs. McLeod-Baikie to meet with town councillors to get a better feel for what PCC wanted, and to discuss her ideas in more detail.

Clr. Trevor Hallett said that before the town council agreed to anything, the county council should undertake full repairs to the market building so TTC would be ‘starting with a clean sheet’.