Structural concerns at privately owned property prompt extended traffic restriction

CRACKWELL STREET in Tenby is expected to remain closed to vehicles for approximately another eight weeks while work continues at a privately owned property overlooking the harbour.

Scaffolding has been erected along the building, with the closure originally introduced to allow the structure to be inspected and repaired safely.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that the road closure was first communicated prior to a formal public notice being issued on Tuesday (Dec 3).

The council said the restriction applies only to vehicles, with pedestrian access continuing along the narrow harbour-side street.

In a statement to The Herald, a council spokesperson said the property is privately owned and that the authority is not directly involved in the structural works taking place.

The spokesperson said: “The property is privately owned and therefore questions relating to the structural issues and the work being undertaken should be addressed to the owner.”

However, council officers remain in contact with the owner while the road closure remains in place.

The council added that the restriction on vehicular access was extended from Sunday (Feb 23) for a further period of approximately eight weeks.

No formal safety notice or structural assessment has been issued by the council in relation to the building, and the authority said it is not aware of any impact on neighbouring properties.

Officials also confirmed that pedestrian access along Crackwell Street remains open despite the traffic restriction.

A council spokesperson added: “Council officers are in dialogue with the property owner as works continue relating to ongoing road closure requirements.

“The property owner and engineers are working to remove the scaffold at the earliest opportunity and allow the road to be re-opened to vehicles.”

Crackwell Street, which links Tenby’s harbour area with the town centre, is one of the town’s most distinctive streets, lined with colourful buildings overlooking the harbour below.

The closure has temporarily restricted vehicle access along the route while engineers continue work on the property.

Photos: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby

PLANS to expand the facilities offered by a Pembrokeshire seaside town pub, which was once a toyshop, have been approved by the national park despite concerns raised by the local civic society.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The Old Town Crier Pub Ltd, through agent Argent Architects, sought permission for the installation of a retractable canopy to rear courtyard of The Town Crier Pub, 3-4 Upper Frog Street, Tenby.

A supporting statement said the scheme for the pub, in Tenby town centre, with a rear boundary on the town’s Grade-I-listed 13th century town wall, “makes a positive contribution to the site, adding an elegant structure, which remains sensitive to the host building and the historic town wall”.

The application added: “The proposals are limited to the private realm of the premises’ courtyard, and do not touch the town wall.  The experience of the town wall from the public realm will remain unchanged.  There is no perceived impact on the historic town wall arising from the proposals.”

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council, but Tenby Civic Society raised concerns about the potential impact on the nearby town walls.

It added: “We regret having to put these views as on balance the modern scheme built on this site has a lot of virtues, one of which has been to open up views and appreciation of the inside of the Town walls to the public as customers.

“The application presents no justification for the impact on the inside of the town walls, and the proposal would in our view diminish the significance and appreciation of the inside of the town walls.”

An officer report recommending approval noted the concerns, pointing out the civic society was not a statutory consultee.

It added: “Whilst in very close proximity to the town walls, the proposed canopy is not readily visible from the public realm, the existing courtyard connecting to the highway only via a pedestrian door, this offering limited views into the site. In terms of overall impact on the special qualities of the National Park, the proposal is considered acceptable.”

The Upper Frog Street site of the Town Crier was formerly the Clarice Toys toy and novelty shop, and is called the Town Crier in tribute to the late John ‘Yobbler’ Thomas, a former proprietor of the shop and a former town crier of Tenby.

John Thomas served as Tenby’s town crier for more than 30 years, and was responsible for bringing four national crier contests to Tenby.

John and wife Caroline, who would become a councillor and serve as mayor in the town, set up Clarice Toys in Tenby’s Upper Frog Street after their marriage in 1961, with the business being later run by their son and daughter, Ian and Kerri.

RESIDENTS and visitors are invited to uncover the stories of one of Wales’ most fascinating ancient landscapes at Discovering the Golden Road, a special event taking place on Saturday 18 April at Tafarn Sinc.

The afternoon begins with a two-hour guided walk through the spectacular Preseli Hills, led by Tomos Jones, Community Archaeologist at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Participants will explore the rich archaeological heritage of the area and discover the history of the Golden Road, a prehistoric trackway believed to have been used for thousands of years, linking ceremonial sites and communities across the landscape.

After the walk, guests will return to Tafarn Sinc for an informal Q&A session with Tomos, offering time to reflect on the landscape, delve deeper into its stories, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.

Katie Macro, Charity Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Golden Road is one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic ancient routes, and events like this help people connect more deeply with the landscape around them. By supporting experiences that celebrate our heritage, we’re also raising vital funds to protect the special places that make the National Park so unique for future generations.”

Jennifer Wheeler, Founder of Golden Road Gin, said: “What a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Preseli Hills and the Golden Road. There is so much nature and history to uncover, and it’s wonderful to discover it with a real expert. We’re incredibly proud to partner with the amazing work of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust to help conserve our heritage and nature. We can’t wait for this event and will be offering gin tasting following the walk and talk.”

The event is delivered in partnership with Golden Road Gin, with thanks to Jen and Phil for their generous support. The company donates 10p from every bottle sold online to the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, helping to fund conservation and heritage projects across the National Park.

Lunch will be available to purchase on the day.

Discovering the Golden Road will take place on Saturday 18 April at Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at https://pembrokeshirecoast.enthuse.com/DiscoveringtheGoldenRoad#!/.

For accessibility information, please contact Abi Marriott at [email protected].