A Tenby county councillor has suggested that efforts should be made to bring the Long Course Weekend event forward in the year outside of the main summer season, to avoid disruption on the roads into the resort on peak Saturday and Sundays.

For the first time in its 10-year history, the Wales Sportive cycling event held on Saturday, had comprehensive road closures, restrictions and diversions in place for cyclists taking part on the second day of the triathlon. There were also road closures in place for the Wales marathon event the following day.

Clr. Michael Williams, who represents the town’s North Ward has also questioned the decision by Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet to approve the financial support that had been afforded to event organisers Activity Wales who had requested the funds ‘in order to enable this event to grow sustainably.’

“The ‘subsidy’ of £20K which is set aside should be immediately stopped,” commented Clr. Williams.

“There must be a complete breakdown of all costs relating to this event which fall upon the Local Authority. As far as I can see, this is a profitable company to which no subsidy should be available!

“The general response I’ve had from people I’ve spoken to over the weekend about the event, was surprisingly negative,” he continued. “There have been concerns relayed to me about the attitude of the organisers involved towards some members of the public.

“The noise generated in and around Tudor Square and the High Street was totally unacceptable and must not happen again. The Environmental Health Department should be brought in pre the event to advise on an appropriate level. No noise should be generated during church services.

“Investigations should be made to see if it is possible to bring the event forward in the year outside the main summer season. It would be of greater benefit in the shoulder season.

“There were, despite assurance that there would not be any, I am told extensive disruptions to postal services. This is unacceptable and must not happen again.

“The situation on The Croft on Friday evening for the swim was farcical, with apparently nobody knowing whether the highway was closed!”

Clr. Williams stated that issues will be raised today (Friday) at council, although he did express some concerns at an informal meeting in County Hall on Monday morning immediately after the event - mainly about the noise levels in the town centre, and the failure of Royal Mail to fulfil their obligations.

“It certainly brought a large number of visitors to Tenby, but there must be more effort to balance the benefits to some to the needs of local residents who find their rights of free movement restricted,” he added.

A spokesperson for PCC said that they were currently assessing feedback in relation to the road closures.The County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for ‘Major Events’, Clr. Phil Baker, said that he was looking forward to hearing feedback from both ‘competitors and communities.’

He congratulated all the competitors taking part in the Long Course Weekend, and said that Activity Wales Events had delivered a ‘great spectacle’.

Clr. Baker added that he sent his best wishes to the competitor who was airlifted to hospital and to his family.