Sir, I became aware from your report that new beach dog walking signage has been erected by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The photo of the signage depicts staring oppressive eyes, of a style one might rather expect to find in the Orwellian dystopian novel ‘1984’ than gracing the streets of charming Tenby.

Why does the council perceive a need for a notice other than in the normal style - which we are accustomed to simply and politely listing the times of the restrictions?

Has there formally been considerable disobedience of the restrictions - requiring some need to attract attention to notices?

Otherwise, what does the image have to do with dogs, beaches, or Tenby?

What is the intention behind this device? To intimidate?

Has legal advice been sought on the Council’s position regarding attempts at harassing its electorate?

Is the advice that this course of action falls within the boundary of acceptability?

I personally find the Council’s choice of device unecessary, and one which purveys an unreasonable air of an authoritarian state.

I have written to the Council and requested that the offending signage is immediately replaced by a civil and polite notice - as is the nature of the vast majority of their electorate, whom also conform with the beach regulations.

There is no need for such signage anywhere in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - where we wish to promote and encourage visitors - not frighten them to death.

Has nobody told the Council it is rude to stare?

James Insell,

The Green,

Tenby.