A first meeting to look at ways Tenby and businesses can achieve a Dementia Friendly Status for the town has been deemed a success.

With the introduction of ‘beach friendly wheelchairs’ to the resort back in the summer, local councillors have highlighted the need to improve access to all parts of the resort.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Clr. Mrs. Samantha Skyrme-Blackhall told her colleagues that the meeting held last week at the town’s Imperial Hotel highlighted ways to help the resort moving forward.

“It was a very successful first meeting and we hope to see some wonderful people on board moving forward with this so that we can form some sort of action group.

“Making whole sale changes could take years, so we want to take small steps to start with and tweak things here and there that can make everything more accessible in the town and a make a big difference to those suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“The smallest of changes whether it be the lighting in the corner of a premises, or a more welcoming doormats replacing black mats - can make such a difference.

“Even changing the colour of the toilet seats in disabled facilities away from white.

“I’m grateful to all the traders and local residents that attended the meeting, and those that couldn’t make it but have been in touch to show support.

“The Facebook page ‘Dementia Friendly Tenby’ is now up and running, and we’ll be holding another meeting very soon.

“It may take years to get this right but it’s important to take small steps for the town now,” she added.

The Mayor, Clr. Tony Brown who also attended the meeting said it was a good starting point and thanked all involved.