Proposals to enhance a Tenby play park have been discussed again by local councillors.

An idea to look into the possibility of refurbishing the play area at Heywood Court was mooted by Clr. Mike Evans a few years ago, who suggested at the time that perhaps the town council should be looking into Capital Expense Play Programmes, and similar funding projects, for areas of the town where there was need and support for.

The subject came to the table again at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, after members received a letter from one of Heywood Court’s residents on the matter.

“Heywood Court park has not been upgraded for many years - it only has two piece of equipment (which the residents maintain) and a local business man Thomas Davies has cut the grass over the half term week for free - he is now seeking free paint to continue his work and brighten up the playhouse,” wrote Mr. M. Hatch in his letter.

“When you consider that council tax is being raised, isn’t it about time we had something to show for it from the council?

“Heywood Court park is a hub of activity for children and young people in the area, yet is often overlooked for funding and upgrading, while Tenby’s play park is replaced and upgraded on a regular basis,” continued Mr. Hatch, who also contacted the Observer about the situation.

“We spoke to town councillors before and there was some mutterings of improvement a couple of years ago, but now the county council seem to inspect hoping it has fallen into disrepair, and I spoke to the inspector last week and he informed me there is no money for parks.

“The county council inspected the park for the third time this year, but state they have no duty to provide play areas, or improve the park we currently have,” he explained.

Qualified tree surgeon Thomas Davies who also deals with garden maintenance recently cleared the overgrown grass at the park with his strimmer which he said was ‘up to his boots’ and is now hoping to get some paint donations to paint the climbing frame etc.

“The park is really run down, and I’m a young local business man willing to donate time and some money into it myself but need backing from the council also or basically a shout out to the local public for help as well to possibly repaint the park,” he said.

Discussing the matter, Clr. Mike Evans told his colleagues that Heywood Court park was a ‘beautiful open space’ and a key area for the estate that should be maintained.

Clr. Evans said that there could possibly be an opportunity to tap into the ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant’ scheme, which uses funds raised via the Second Homes Tax to provide funding for new projects in the community.

“I met with these two gentlemen who are in the process of going around getting support to upgrade the park. There are 80 to 90 homes there, and it is a large part of Tenby.

“I see play parks as part of something the town council should be considering, as we are here primarily for the residents that live in the town. Personally I think this is a goer, so we should look at it and see what they want and if we can afford it.

“Yes we might have to dip into the town council’s pocket of reserves, but what else are the reserves for?

“If there are three more play parks in Tenby that require upgrading, then maybe we could consider a rolling programme of works,” he continued.

The Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, said that she was unsure whether the town council could consider such projects at the moment, due to the cuts being brought about by Pembrokeshire County Council for others services in the town.

“This summer we will have to put our hands in our pocket for lots of things like the street furniture, gardening maintenance and the cemetery improvements etc, which are a necessity - and if were going to increase our precept time and time again, then I really think we’re going to have to watch carefully what we do with our reserves,” she commented.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall suggested working with the town clerk to put together an application to seek funding from the ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant’ scheme for such a project.

In the meantime, councillors Viv Perry and Will Crockford stated that perhaps some of the pant provided by PCC towards the bandstand in Tenby, could also be donated to the residents currently helping to maintain the play park at Heywood Court, as a small starting point.

Thomas Davies who has been helping to carry out the work at Heywood Court has also asked for anyone who may be able to help in any small way, to contact him on 07908162079.