TENBY residents and traders are once again raising the alarm about poor mobile phone coverage, as the town enters another busy tourist season with no clear sign of improvements.

County Councillor Michael Williams first raised the issue with Pembrokeshire County Council’s trading standards department back in November, warning that unreliable mobile signal was becoming a serious concern for both residents and businesses. With Easter holidays now underway and visitors flooding back into the town, the problem has resurfaced as a pressing issue.

“All the providers are blaming visitor numbers, but that excuse doesn’t justify the charges people are paying,” Cllr Williams said. “It’s the same problem every year, and it’s time something was done.”

Real-life impact on residents

One local resident, Paul, who is disabled following a serious leg injury, told The Herald that poor signal had led to missed hospital appointments and vital calls.

“It’s ridiculous that in 2025, my phone signal is worse than it was in the 1990s,” he said. “I’ve missed calls from my doctor and the Ambulance Transport Service trying to arrange transport to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. My provider, Three, dropped my bill to £9.99 a month, but what’s the point if I still can’t use the phone?

“I’ve looked into switching providers, but I contacted them all and they said there are problems in Tenby too.”

Missed bookings and safety concerns

Ben Jones, a local plasterer, said the problem is also costing him work.

“I’ve missed bookings from clients because they couldn’t get through,” he said. “One persistent customer said it took him five tries to make contact. I don’t know if emergency calls are prioritised, but if not, this could be a serious safety issue too.”

Local businesses relying on mobile networks for card machines, bookings, and deliveries also say they are being let down.

“It’s embarrassing having to explain to customers that we can’t process a payment because the network’s gone down again,” one shop owner told The Herald. “It makes us look like we’re stuck in the past.”

Infrastructure plans face resistance

Although all four major UK networks—EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three—operate in Tenby, the infrastructure struggles to cope during peak seasons. While there have been plans to install new masts, including a proposed 20-metre 4G mast, progress has been hampered by objections linked to the town’s location within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“There’s a tension between improving connectivity and preserving the landscape,” said a council planning officer. “But the pressure on mobile networks isn’t going away.”

Regulator urged to step in

The Herald contacted Ofcom to ask whether they are aware of Tenby’s ongoing mobile signal issues and whether they intend to work with providers to improve service ahead of the summer.

In a recent Parliamentary debate, ministers acknowledged concerns that Ofcom’s mobile coverage reports may not always reflect users’ real-world experience—an issue likely to resonate with residents in Tenby and other rural tourist hotspots.

As the Easter holiday rush continues, locals are left hoping that 2025 will finally be the year something changes.

RAMSEY ISLAND, one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular wildlife destinations, will be closed to visitors over the Easter holidays due to serious safety concerns.

The RSPB-owned nature reserve, renowned for its towering cliffs, seabird colonies, and rare plants, normally welcomes thousands of tourists each year between April 1 and October 31. However, this year the island will remain closed after the RNLI shut the St Justinians slipway used by ferry and tour boats.

The RNLI confirmed that the concrete structure had suffered ‘catastrophic’ storm damage over the winter and earlier this year, making it unsafe for public use.

“An urgent safety critical issue with the slipway following the recent storm damage has led the RNLI to take the responsible action to remove access,” said a spokesperson. “As a lifesaving charity, we cannot continue to carry the liability or invest in the maintenance of a site which does not support our lifesaving mission.”

The charity said a risk assessment highlighted major issues with the slip’s concrete, metalwork, steps and handrails.

As a result, no boats are able to land on the island, and visitor access has been suspended. Three tour boat operators are reportedly still running restricted trips around the island at high tide, but the majority of services have been disrupted.

A spokesperson for the RSPB confirmed: “The slipway is not in a condition to be used, and visits to Ramsey Island will not be possible for the Easter holidays.”

They added that alternative access options are being explored and further updates will follow.

Ramsey Island is designated as a Special Protection Area for choughs and supports internationally important flora and breeding colonies of Manx shearwaters, peregrines, and grey seals.

Visitors and residents reminded to stay at least 100 metres away

VISITORS and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.

Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.

This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.

Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.

“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”

To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk/disturbance/

The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.

Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.

However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.