Solutions sought for Tenby’s Crackwell Street closure
County councillors and Pembrokeshire County Council officers are racing to manage traffic in tenby after Crackwell Street was closed because of significant structural issues identified at a property, forcing diversions as the Easter holiday period begins. The closure, extended for a further eight weeks as of February 23 (ET), has increased congestion on High Street, Tudor Square and St Julian’s Street. Councillors insist temporary measures and long-term stability checks are now urgent to protect the town and its traffic flow.
Expanding details: why the closure and how long
Pembrokeshire County Council issued a Road Traffic Order at the turn of the year to allow property maintenance works to Goscar House, including repositioning of a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit and a flat roof extension to provide undercover storage. The initial start date for works had been delayed by roughly two weeks until January 19, and the authority has extended the road closure for a further eight weeks (as of February 23 ET). The closure temporarily prohibits all vehicular traffic along the affected Crackwell Street section, except for exempted vehicles, from near Lower Anchorage northwest to near Northcliffe.
Tenby: Immediate reactions from councillors and officers
County councillor Michael Williams, County councillor for Tenby’s North ward, Pembrokeshire County Council, raised traffic and structural concerns directly with Marc Owen, Public Realm Manager at Pembrokeshire County Council. Cllr Michael Williams remarked, “In recent days there has been difficulties with the increase of traffic having to come up the High Street causing considerable issues. ” He added, “I’ve asked if it might be a structural issue with the road. Possibly time to look at the long term stability of this road, I raised it a number of years ago. ”
County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, County Councillor for Tenby’s South Ward, Pembrokeshire County Council, warned of knock-on congestion and stressed ongoing talks with senior officers. Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall remarked, “The closure of Crackwell Street has undoubtedly caused additional congestion in St Julian’s Street, Tudor Square and High Street. Understandably people are concerned especially with the increased numbers of visitors over the Easter period. ” She noted she has suggested keeping some parking areas free to aid traffic flow and pledged to ensure the Local Authority considers every possible measure to manage the situation.
What’s next: immediate steps and what residents can expect
Pembrokeshire County Council and elected members are exploring short-term traffic management measures, including proposals to suspend parking outside the Market Hall on High Street to ease narrow-route flows while Crackwell Street remains closed. Councillors have also urged checks on the long-term stability of the highway where subsidence and sinking have been observed and raised concerns about weight-restricted vehicles using the Walled Town. With Easter traffic rising, officers and councillors will continue discussions to minimise disruption in tenby and aim to reopen the route at the earliest opportunity.
Timeline notes: the Road Traffic Order was intended to last approximately four weeks from the turn of the year, works began after a delay until January 19, and the closure was extended for a further eight weeks as of February 23 (ET). Expect further updates from Pembrokeshire County Council and the named councillors as plans to manage traffic in tenby develop.
