Residents in Tenby who live alongside a busy junction in and out of the town, have reaffirmed their concerns over plans to introduce a roundabout on that section of road.

Pembrokeshire County Council has recently secured funding to improve the junction on the A4218/A478 Narberth Road, by remodelling a section of the road, as the second phase of a Welsh Government funded Road Safety Grant scheme.

A report from PCC’s senior traffic engineer, Ben Blake, recently outlined that in developing a scheme, two layouts had been examined, with Option 1 - considering a mini roundabout; and Option 2 - looking to introduce a standard T junction.

Mr. Blake explained that the option of a mini roundabout (which was the preferred option) addressed the main concerns raised, which was the principal aim of the revised layout.

Plans submitted by PCC explained that the scheme would look to improve road and pedestrian safety at the junction by way of providing a more conventional and simplified layout to that currently found, and address traffic flow issues, turning movements, as well as introducing speed reduction benefits.

County Clr. Michael Williams, who represents the north ward of Tenby, recently stated that this was an issue that PCC had been attempting to resolve in the town for 20 years, as the junction was ‘lethal’ for motorists, and despite the proposals on the table not being ‘perfect’ nobody had been able to come up with a better scheme to sort out the issue

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, the Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, said that a site meeting had been held at the junction on Narberth Road, at which PCC traffic engineers Ben Blake and Darren Thomas had been able to meet with a number of residents affected by the proposals, along with Clr. Williams, himself, and fellow town councillors.

“A number of people were at the site meeting, and we’re grateful to PCC officers, residents and town councillors for attending,” he told members.

“Residents, particularly those in the immediate vicinity of the junction, were able to give their feedback on the plans. This is the last opportunity to pass on views before a decision is made.

“This is the most significant gateway into Tenby, so it’s important that they get it right, as the existing junction was clearly designed some time in the 1950s, and this new development is likely to be there for another 50 years.

“PCC have looked at traffic calming measures, and heightening the road to solve the issue.

“There is clearly a pot of money from this financial year to achieve something in that area, and any scheme is likely to move forward quite quickly.

“Ultimately the decision will be made by PCC in consultation with the county councillor for the north ward of Tenby, Clr. Williams,” he continued.

Addressing members of the town council at their meeting, resident Sian Williams, who lives at a property on Narberth Road, alongside where the new roundabout is proposed, said that one of the main concerns was the speed of motorist along that stretch of road, and that she was ‘not convinced’ that the current plans for the roundabout would alter anything.

“Cars will still fly around the corner, and you will be able to drive over the type of mini roundabout that PCC have proposed,” she said, with her neighbours, Dai and Paula Robins, agreeing.

“We don’t want the wrong thing put in there, as ours and the three houses alongside us are going to be more affected than anyone else by these plans,” said Mrs. Robins, who had suggested to PCC officers that they consider making one entrance to Upper Hill Park, to help alleviate the problem.

“We know that PCC are under a timescale with this, but I think that it’s wrong for them to just say that they don’t have time to consult with residents of that area.

“This consultation could have been put forward a long time ago, as we have been told that it was in mind when the pedestrian controlled crossing and bus stop facility to the south of the junction was put in.

“We don’t believe that a roundabout is going to make a difference, it won’t slow traffic down, and we don’t feel it is completely addressing the speeding issue, which is the main problem in that area.

“If the wrong development is put in, then it’s going to be there for a very long time!” she added.

As well as issues about the height of the roundabout, residents also told councillors that concerns had been raised over potential light pollution with any new signage installations in that area.

It was also mentioned that a raised road section should be essential to any re-development, and the introduction of speed indicator signs to warn motorists to slow down before the junction.

The Mayor said that he would speak with Clr. Michael Williams the following day to relay the feedback to him, and Mr. Blake, as a matter of urgency.

“This is such an important issue and it’s important that we get it right,” he added.