A PUBLIC meeting was held on Wednesday night, (January 8) to discuss the future of Fishguard Market.

It was organised by the Fishguard and Goodwick Community Forum, and attended by Barry Cooke, head of properties at Pembrokeshire County Council and Sinead Henehan from the regeneration department.

The County Council is currently reviewing all four of the county's council-run markets, in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.

A report by the director of development said they are considered “not profitable, when taking into account whole costs of management and future capital requirements.”

The options due to be considered in the review include: selling to a commercial market operator, letting to a commercial market operator, letting to third sector/tenant consortium, retention by the council, more appropriate premises and closure.

Mr Cooke said: “I want to make absolutely clear that it is a review, it does not mean closure. Closure might be one of the options, but there are lots of other options.”

One woman said: “I think the market is the hub of social life, we come every Thursday. For pensioners like us it’s a good place to get a cup of coffee and meet people.”

County Councillor Myles Pepper said: “The market is the heartbeat of the town, and without that heartbeat we won’t survive."

County Councillor Pat Davies said: “Thursday has traditionally been the shopping day in Fishguard. It was up until a couple of decades ago referred to as Dydd sut i chi heddiw?/How are you today?

“The market creates footfall and it’s most essential that it remains there.”

Phil Rees is a fish monger in the market. He said: “My interest in the market goes back until the late 70’s. I don’t know who’s responsible for promoting the utilisation of the market, but I’ve got to say there’s been very little effort put in.”

A further meeting will be held on January 16.