Tenby will be among tourist hot spots across Pembrokeshire that will receive part of a £323,000 funding boost from the Welsh Government.

Deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, announced on Friday (January 25) that £2.2 million had been earmarked for 23 projects across Wales, to improve the visitor experience and develop ‘high quality destinations’.

The funding has been made available through the Tourism Amenity Investment Support scheme (TAIS), thanks to the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Projects include improvements to cycle paths; upgrades to access and facilities at blue flag beaches; visitor parking; signage and public conveniences, and reflect local as well as national priorities.

Pembrokeshire County Council will receive £128,000 to replace Tenby Harbour sluice entrance stop logs with a gate that can be easily opened on demand, which will extend the operating season and create a year-round harbour excursion offer.

However County Councillor Michael Williams, who represents the Tenby North ward, claims that he and many other council officials, including Councillor Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure knew nothing about the funding initiative for Tenby harbour.

Clr. Williams has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council’s Director of Development, Dr Steven Jones, for clarification on the matter.

“I understand that Lord Elis Thomas Welsh Government Minister has announced that PCC are going to receive funding to replace the sluice gates in the sum of £120K. Am I correct that is in the response to the study carried out by W S Atkins last year?

“I have on at least three occasions emailed officers of the council asking for a copy of this report without any success, the latest being on January 3.

“This is yet another example of a local elected member being denied information which he has specifically requested, and is not good enough. This as you are aware was common practice during the previous regime which I though had now changed. It is clear that this is not the case.

“It is extremely embarrassing to be asked by members of the public about initiatives such as this, and having to respond that once again, I know nothing about what is a quite major expenditure. They rightly expect their elected representative to be able to be fully informed on such issues,” he added.

Clr. Williams has stated that the most urgent work required in Tenby harbour is a comprehensive dredging, which he hopes is what the sum identified in the council’s capital estimates relates to.

“The extent of the build up of sand in recent years has been quite exceptional and I have my doubts if the usual method of using machinery will be sufficient,” said Clr. Williams.

“My view is that to effectively dredge the harbour area requires the use of a marine dredger. I recognise the financial constraints that PCC face, and even though I have my doubts if the suggested sum is sufficient, the short term issue does need urgently addressing prior to the Easter.

“On another matter, I did meet with Derek Fenn of W S?Atkins on site specifically regarding the suggestion of installing beach huts on the harbour end of the North Walk, and at that time he did point out concerns that this area had not been part of the cliff stabilisation schemes and had shown signs of land slippage recently.

“My own view is that to proceed with such a scheme would be irresponsible, and I must point out that any such scheme would need planning consent,” he added.

Lord Elis-Thomas who made the annoucement said: “This scheme is an excellent way for us to assist the tourism sector to make improvements to local facilities and amenities.

“Facilities such as footpaths, toilets, signage, car parking are often only noticed when the provision is lacking or not up to scratch – which shows that they are an important part of the experience that people have of Wales.”