A Tenby county councillor has written to the local licensing authority outlining his ongoing concern regarding ‘intolerable’ anti-social behaviour in the resort

Clr. Michael Williams, who represents the town’s north ward, has written a strongly worded letter to Pembrokeshire county council’s pollution control and licensing department, asking for action to be taken on the matter.

“Some eighteen months ago, after a wedding party were attacked in South Parade, I raised with your department, and the Police, my concerns about alcohol induced violent behaviour in Tenby, and in particular the possibility that some licensed premises were continuing to sell alcohol to individuals who were already clearly inebriated,” states Clr. Williams.

Following his complaint Clr. Williams said he was invited to a meeting at Tenby Police station which was attended by officers from PCC and a number of Police officers, and was assured that all was well as far as the management of public houses was concerned and there was a good working relationship between publicans, the authority and police.

“I regret to say that my opinion is that following recent events, in particular the violent scene which took place in Tudor Square a few Fridays ago, the situation has deteriorated,” he continued.

“I witnessed a large number of individuals leaving one public house earlier that afternoon and it was very clear that they were seriously intoxicated.

“They emerged in to Upper Frog Street at 3.30pm, and at that time the area was busy with families with young children. What I witnessed then was extreme foul language from both male and females which caused huge upset and was frightening to these family groups,” said Clr. Williams, who claims that it can be ‘seriously intimidating’ after 5 pm on a Saturday in Tenby town centre in particular, and frightening in particular for families.

“In my opinion it is time that action is required to address this issue.

“I find it depressing to witness the continuing decline in the quality of visit that we are able to offer in Tenby due to such intolerable behaviour.

“It is sad that our reputation is being so damaged by a few irresponsible individuals who appear to put their profits before the well being and indeed safety of both our visitors and residents.

“I understand the problems that arise when the licensing authority tries to reduce the hours of premises, and I have witnessed the large companies employing experienced legal practitioners to defend clients, but I would ask that where possible the most severe constraints are placed upon premises that are proved to be unsuitable, and that their licence is where possible revoked,“ he added.

A response to Clr. Williams’ letter came before members of Tenby town council at their meeting on Tuesday night, in which Nathan Miles of PCC’s pollution control and licensing department, explained that one way forward would be to hold a meeting where options and issues could be discussed between the authority and police.

Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said she felt that if such a meeting was to take place, then she would like to see the town council invited to it.

“The police, PCSOs and the transport police have been doing quite a bit to deal with persons causing anti-social behaviour coming off the trains at Tenby recently, and I congratulate all the work they have been doing,” she said.

“Everybody appears to be working together to prevent this happening, and to my knowledge there is less anti-social behaviour in the town, which is down to better policing,” added Clr. Mrs. Brown.