Councillors in Tenby are looking ahead at ways the local economy can be ‘regenerated’ as lockdown eases.

During the town council’s first remote meeting on Tuesday evening - the first time members have held discussions since March - members decided to reconvene the ‘Regeneration Team’ committee to help facilitate meetings between councillors, the business sector, the licensing sector, county councillors and officers to look at ways the local economy can be ‘regenerated’ as lockdown eases while also striking a balance over to how to also mitigate the local public’s fear of a possible ‘second wave’ brought about by a potential increase in visitors to the area.

“We’re also going to look at how the volunteer support for vulnerable people that has been so effective so far will evolve and continue as lockdown eases,” said Andrew Davies, the clerk to Tenby town council.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall said that the ‘working party’ would be able to help examine how the town can be best geared to support business, with consideration given to use of open space, pedestrianisation and its scope, car parks, park and ride, licensing and promotion.

“Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown is very challenging for businesses across Tenby,” said Clr. Blackhall.

“Even when business is allowed to re-open, social distancing requirements will make it difficult for businesses to operate. As a town we should seek to support all of our businesses to maximise outdoor space in and around their businesses to help them re-establish and support local employment.

“We should also seek to support any activity that assists local business, local jobs and consequently the local economic wellbeing,” he added, explaining that the working party would include - councillors, county councillors, representatives of local business and relevant officers from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The County Council have already put preparations in for Tenby’s summer’s pedestrianisation scheme which is due to start on Monday, July 6 and finish on September 11.

Many businesses in the town have highlighted the fact that the scheme will enable them to allow for safer social-distancing measures outside many premises, with the extra spaces within their curtilage. Non-essential shops are hoping to receive further guidance from the Welsh Government this week to allow them to put plans in place to open.

Pedestrianisation will again see the walled town area divided into three ‘zones’, each of which will have varying degrees of vehicle access.

Councillor Phil Baker, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Licensing and Major Events, explained: “Officers are working to ensure that all the necessary plans are being put in place to see that the scheme starts and finishes on the above dates.

“However, we recognise that the scheme is under constant review in light of the current Covid-19 restrictions and Welsh Government guidance.

“It may therefore be necessary to change or amend aspects of the scheme, the duration or how the scheme is delivered.

“If it does become apparent that changes are needed, then the Council will provide further updates in the lead-up to the start of the pedestrianisation.

“A further important point to note is that Government guidance and health regulations - in respect of travel and also the occupation of second home and holiday accommodation in force at the relevant time - will take precedence and must be observed at all times.

“We fully acknowledge the difficulties that residents, visitors and businesses are experiencing. The safety of everyone is foremost in our minds and a permit will not exempt the holder from any of the restrictions that may be in place at that time,” added Clr. Baker.