Sir,

I refer to the despressingly negative and retrograde attitude to pedestrianisation in Tenby ('Anger over walled town traffic ban', May 24). I understand and appreciate that traders within the town walls in which pedestrianisation is planned will almost by definition and reflex reaction, object.

Sure there are problems in pedestrianising a lovely old walled town such as Tenby, but the benefits for tourists and locals alike will justify the cost and effort by all concerned.

I find it difficult to believe that Tenby's problems are unique and indeed, I recall years ago Looe in Cornwall banned traffic from the town and harbour area. York is a city of which I have some direct knowledge and there, entirely predictably, the traders objected and put up a very strong defence which was happily overcome. Now everyone, including the traders, thinks that pedestrianisation of the centre has been one of the best and most successful things to have happened.

The most important thing for Tenby is to adopt a non-dinosaurial approach and look at the proposals positively and constructively rather than negatively. It's always easier and more comfortable to maintain status quo and oppose change, but remember that all forecasts point to more and more cars on our roads and town traffic congestion is set to get worse.

Tenby has to compete for tourists and a town centre which is a delight for pedestrians, such as Bridge Street in Haverfordwest and Queen Street in Cardiff, must be the way to go.

P. D. Rich,

'The Burgage',

St. Florence.