A local county councillor and former Royal Mail worker has stated that some aspects of this year’s Long Course Weekend have been ‘difficult to defend’ pointing to unacceptable disruptions caused to the postal service on the Saturday of the sporting event.

Clr. Jon Preston who represents the Penally ward, reported to members of Penally Community Council at their meeting this month that he was in the process of collating feedback regarding the Long Course Weekend.

“One of my concerns was the disruption to postal services on Saturday, July 6,” said Clr. Preston.

Many mail boxes in the area carried ‘Temporary out of service’ notices stating ‘Regrettably, it is neccessary for us to temporarily remove this post box from service due to road closures in the area on Saturday, July 6’ adding that collections would be resumed from Monday, July 8.

“Despite Pembrokeshire County Concil and the event organiser publicly stating that there would be no problems with mail services on that day the figures provided to me by the Communication Workers Union tell a very different story!” continued Clr. Preston.

“Delivery services failed to reach - Manorbier, Saundersfoot village, Tenby High Street and New Hedges.

“This also includes uncollected mail from post boxes and Post Office counters in those areas.

“The Croft in Tenby was also closed on Friday evening despite no advance notice of this closure.

“Noise levels have also been an area of concern and will require monitoring for future events.

“Public support is key in maintaining the success of these type of events, however some aspects of this year’s Long Course Weekend have been difficult to defend,” added Clr. Preston.