Local MP Simon Hart is working with Pembroke traders to try to breathe new life into the historic town.

Mr. Hart was invited by concerned local businesses to help with issues surrounding derelict properties and a lack of signage and inward investment.

"Pembroke is the most beautiful town and has some wonderful shops and cafes," said Mr. Hart.

"However, there is no getting around the fact that there are a number of derelict and empty buildings that detract from the town and that businesses have been closing."

He arranged a walkabout with Pembrokeshire County Council's head of regeneration, Martin White, to look closely at the problem.

"We spent an hour in town looking at the problems and had an in-depth discussion about Pembroke's future," explained Mr. Hart.

"The issues that the traders are raising are the lack of signage to the town itself and for parking in the town once you have arrived; there are also problems with car parking and with derelict and empty properties in the town.

"The county council has told me that it has improved signage to Pembroke from the London Road junction in Pembroke Dock and that it considers the signs at the Nash Fingerpost to be adequate.

"They are continuing to look into securing Convergence funding to improve buildings in the town, especially at Castle Terrace, and expect to hear news on this very shortly."

Mr. Hart has also made a direct appeal to pub chain JD Wetherspoons to try to encourage them to open in the town.

"I am meeting with their head of property shortly and will be spelling out how vital their business would be to Pembroke," he added.