PLANS to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been approved by the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores last year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, with its Grade-II-listed front façade, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd said: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tenby Town Council recommended approval despite concern at the loss of retail, but agreed it would be a welcome amenity to the town as a wet weather and family entertainment venue.

Tenby Civic Society had asked for a simpler form of lettering on external signage, and also raised concerns including the loss of retail space potential noise levels from gaming equipment.

Two objections from the public were also received, raising concerns including a potential impact on residential amenity and the principle of the change of use.

An officer report recommending approval said it was “widely recognised that the role of traditional retail is evolving, and that many town centres are facing challenges to their vitality and viability,” adding: “In this context, the proposed retro gaming arcade offers an experience-led use that can operate in all weather conditions, helping attract visitors to the retail area throughout the year. The development would therefore contribute positively to footfall, activity and the overall vibrancy of the town centre, in line with national planning policy objectives.”

Of the potential impact on neighbours, it said the noise would be contained within the building, controlled by “door closures which should be in operation at all times and maintained to ensure that the doors cannot be left open for any significant length of time”.

The proposal, along with related signage applications, was conditionally approved by Park officers.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

THE TEAM at a Welsh home visits opticians service is celebrating after winning a top industry award.

Specsavers Home Visits (CATVOG), which is locally owned and run and serves communities across South East and South West Wales, from Caerphilly to Fishguard, has won the Domiciliary Business of the Year at the Awards for Excellence. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of Specsavers stores across the UK and Ireland.

Led by optometry director Jason Scaife and customer service director Alison Warren, the team are committed to delivering outstanding care and customer experience to their local community.

‘We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised in the Domiciliary Business of the Year category – especially since we were up against such amazing competition,’ says Alison Warren.

‘Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional eye care and connecting with our local community. This award is a wonderful recognition of that commitment. We’re proud of the difference we make every day and will continue to go above and beyond to care for the people we serve.’

The winners were announced at the Awards for Excellence ceremony in Birmingham on 28 March.

In addition to optical care, the Specsavers CATVOG Home Visits team also offers audiology services, as well as specialist support for people with low vision.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 01446 508128 or visit the Specsavers website: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits.

AHEAD of the Senedd elections in May, British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is calling on the next Welsh Government to do more to protect people in Wales from preventable pest problems in their homes.

In its new manifesto for public health pest management in Wales, the national trade body says no one should have to live with rats, cockroaches, flies or other pests because of poor housing conditions, slow repairs or inadequate waste management. 

Housing, public health and environmental regulation are devolved to the Senedd. 

BPCA is urging Welsh policymakers to make sure protections against pest problems apply to all renters, not just those in social housing. 

The Association warned that pests in homes are not just a nuisance and can pose a risk to health. 

Rodents can spread diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella and listeria, while also causing damage by gnawing pipes and wiring. Cockroaches, flies, and other insects can spread pathogens, contaminate food and damage belongings. 

Rosina Robson, Chief Exec of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), said: “Too many people are still being left to deal with pest problems that could and should have been prevented. 

“Where there are building defects, poor waste management or delays to repairs, infestations can quickly take hold. That has a real impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. 

“It should not matter whether someone lives in social housing, private rented housing or temporary accommodation. The risks posed by pests are the same, and the protections should be too. 

“We want the next Welsh Government to recognise the danger pests pose in people’s homes and make sure everyone in Wales has the right to live in a decent home that is protected from avoidable infestations.” 

BPCA’s manifesto calls on the next Welsh Government to: 

• Recognise the danger that pests pose to the health and well-being of tenants  
• Ensure protections for all renters, including people living in social rented, private rented and temporary accommodation  
• Back a stronger public health approach to pest management in Wales.  

The manifesto also highlights the wider role of professional pest management in protecting public health, food supply chains and the built environment across Wales. 

BPCA says tackling pests properly means more than responding once an infestation has taken hold. Landlords and property managers also need to act on the advice of pest professionals, including improving communal waste disposal, repairing defects in buildings and addressing the conditions that allow pests to thrive. 

Niall Gallagher, BPCA’s Technical Manager, added: “We wouldn’t accept pest activity in places such as factories or restaurants where food is prepared, and people should not be expected to put up with the same risks in their own homes. 

“This is about prevention, public health and basic standards. Wales has an opportunity to lead the way and make sure fewer people are left living in misery because of pests.” 

BPCA’s full manifesto, A manifesto for public health pest management in Wales, is available from the Association’s website.