With signage being removed at Penally Training Camp this morning and speculation mounting that the facility is being prepared for up to 250 asylum seekers that could arrive as early as Monday, the ward’s county councillor has called on Pembrokeshire County Council’s chief executive for some clarity.

In correspondence sent to PCC’s Ian Westley this morning (Friday) Penally county councillor Jon Preston said: “This morning the signs have been removed at Penally camp and there is a presence of Pembrokeshire County Council vehicles and staff. As the elected member for the community of Penally may I ask why PCC are at the camp?

“If you are still unable to provide me with any information please could you state the level of classification or act of Parliament which prevents you from doing so?

“If you have been briefed on a ‘need to know’ basis then as the democratically elected member of this ward I most certainly need to know,” he continued.

Clr. Preston stated earlier this week that his request to attend talks between immigration officials, Pembrokeshire county council, Welsh government representatives and the chief of Police on Monday to discuss the matter at Penally Camp were turned down.

Speaking in his capacity as Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP, Welsh secretary of state Simon Hart said on Wednesday that he he had contacted the Home Secretary to seek further clarification regarding the plans.

“Whilst being mindful of our legal obligations and our responsibilities, as well as the extensive powers held by the Home Office on all security and immigration scenarios, I appreciate that residents are concerned about a number of issues so I have included as many of these as possible in our submission,” said Mr. Hart.

“For example, I have asked how long the site will be used, what the security arrangements will be and whether the Home Office will be funding any additional costs that Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police might incur.

“I also want to know how many people could be housed at one time, what the gender balance and likely age profile could be as well as how local residents’ welfare will be ensured.

“I have enquired about the arrangements for occupants entering or leaving the site and further detailed queries regarding healthcare and COVID testing of staff and occupants.

“I have also asked for an explanation of the day-to-day workings of the site in relation to processing asylum claims.

“As soon as I receive a reply I shall post it on my website and Facebook page. In the meantime I am keen to avoid too much speculation in case this causes increased tension and concern,” he added.

Following a protest outside the camp on Tuesday evening where over 200 people were present, with some taking to the roadway for a sit down stance, members of the ‘Penally and Surrounding Areas Community Togetherness Group’ met at the Salterns in Tenby this morning (Friday) with the aim to to push for their request for an emergency meeting with Mr. Hart, home office representatives, PCC, Dyfed Powys Police and local community council representatives, as they seek for clarity on the intended repurposing of Penally camp.

A further protest by the group is planned for Saturday, which is set to meet at Butts Field car park in Tenby at 4.50 pm, which will then move into the Tudor Square town centre.