Tenby town council are to liaise with Pembrokeshire County Council with regards to replacing the shelter at the Paragon gardens.

During a discussion over floral plans for the resort when members of the town council met remotely this month, councillors agreed that they would be prepared to fund a new shelter at the spot that overlooks the South Beach, if the old one can be removed.

They have asked that a meeting be arranged with PCC to look at the situation.

Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, chair of the Tenby in Bloom organisation, told her fellow members that she was disappointed that some had recently questioned the cost of watering floral displays throughout the town.

She said that the town council had looked at taking this duty on themselves a number of times in recent years, but there were many costs to consider including staffing and equipment.

Clr. Mrs. Lane said it had been discussed many times and the only solution to the problems was for PCC to continue to carry out this work.

Tenby had lost two floral gardens already, she explained, and as the seaside resort was renowned for its floral displays, it was important to maintain standards during a difficult time.

“There was so much positivity that we did keep up our floral displays last year despite Covid-19 and we must keep going,” she said, adding that she was saddened to see negative discussions.

“We need to be careful not to lose and upset people in PCC when they have worked so hard to keep the displays going,” continued Clr. Mrs. Lane.

In questioning the watering costs, Clr. Laurence Blackhall said that he was not criticising the work carried out, but his point was merely related to whether the town council were getting value for money.

He said that continued support of floral displays was a categoric yes, but he had just been slightly alarmed at level of the fee the town council were paying and the potential danger that they are asked to take on more and more costs on a ‘slice-by-slice’ basis as PCC look to make savings.

Clr. Mike Evans said he did not see it as a slant on those who did the work just as a discussion point on how the town council move forward.

“Where would Tenby be without Clr. Mrs. Lane and Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter and their work over the years,” he remarked.

“Things are going to get worse as more cuts are coming. We need to be proactive, and the town council need to say formally to PCC that we have this amount, what can we get for this?

“PCC employ staff seven days a week with all the added costs. It may seem expensive, but it all makes sense and would cost the town council far more if we tried to do it ourselves.

“If members do not want to do it anymore then members need to say but consider the implications first,” continued Clr. Evans.

Councillors have also stated this month that they are a little concerned about the possibility of vandalism occurring at a new ‘community edible garden’ project that is being created in Gilroy Phillips Garden.

Members said that they supported the project but were unsure as to whether Gilroy Phillips Garden was the right location.