A ‘zero tolerance’ approach has been called for on A-Frame signage blocking walkways and pavements in Tenby.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, the town clerk, Andrew Davies, told councillors that he had received correspondence from Pembrokeshire County Council’s head of highways and construction, Darren Thomas, stating that the authority had received more complaints about A-Frames in the town.

A recent press release issued to the media from the county council stated that over the years, the authority had received numerous complaints about A-Frames on pavements which could cause a significant hazard to less able or visually impaired users of the streets.

In addition, there had been incidents of people falling over such A-Frames which could lead to accident claims against those to whom the frames belong.

“We understand the concerns about businesses wanting to use A-Frames in Tenby, and other towns. But we are also getting a lot of comments from vulnerable pedestrians who simply cannot get around some of the pavements,” remarked Mr. Thomas.

“Against this difficult backdrop, council officers have been visiting premises in Tenby to reinforce the requirements to keep pavements clear from obstruction.

“However, the response has been strong and generally negative and it is saddening to see the personal remarks against officers in a situation where they are trying to respond to complaints from the public and on behalf of more vulnerable users.

“The council is keen to work with local communities to reach an acceptable solution to all parties, but there has to be some understanding that A-Frames which obstruct pavements are a real hazard to certain users,” he continued.

Mr. Davies told councillors that Mr. Thomas had informed him that the latest complaint regarding the A-Frames in Tenby had come from the the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

“It was pointed out that this was illegal, and that PCC could be in breach of the Government Equality Act of 2010, putting the disabled at a disadvantage.

“Mr. Thomas said that enforcement officers had visited the town recently, but had received a lot of ‘verbal abuse’ from businesses on the matter, both in person and on social media, so much so that it prompted the recent press release from PCC.

“Mr. Thomas has also spoken to county councillor for Tenby South, Mike Evans, on the matter, and wanted to know if the town council were in favour of a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to A-Frame enforcement, or more of a conciliary compromise, although it was admitted that neither way was probably going to please both sides,” he said.

Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said that years ago the authorities would take a lorry into town and put every A-Frame in the back and if the owners wanted them back, they’d have to go and claim them!

“PCC need to get tough and chuck the signs in the back of a lorry again, as you’re never going to solve the issue by mediating.

“Some things that people put out aren’t obstructions, but recently when we had the hot weather, I’d say that 80 per cent were detrimental to people’s safety, so I would agree with the county council on this one.

“I don’t understand why businesses and shop owners can’t just fix their advertising signage to their buildings,” she added.

Clr. Maureen Ward said that PCC were just as at fault with making enforcement promises, as they had recently told some of the public houses along Frog Street that they would be fined £500, but then never went back to fine them.

“If it is illegal, then there should be no compromise! I don’t understand this compromise approach, it should be ‘zeto tolerance’ I’m afraid,” added Clr. John Griffiths.

When put to the vote, seven councillors agreed to a zero tolerance approach to A-Frames being adopted in Tenby, with three abstaining.