PEMBROKE Dock has seen a “marked increase” in the number of business start ups, members of the county council’s economy committee were told at a meeting on Thursday, January 16.

Members were given an update on town centre regeneration and the town teams which have been set up in the county’s six main towns, including Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, to drive change.

Each team is a partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, the town council, the chamber of trade and, in some cases, community representatives.

Head of regeneration Martin White said: “Town teams have been working hard on preparing action plans concerning environmental issues, the economy, branding and marketing opportunities in those towns.”

Cabinet member for economy, tourism and communities Councillor David Pugh said: “In Pembroke Dock there has been a marked increase in the number of business start ups which, from a town that was probably regarded as one of the worst case scenarios is a vast improvement.”

He said the increase was down to the improvements resulting from property grand funding, as well as a “willingness to invest in the future”.

“I’m personally very pleased with how the town teams have responded,” he added.

The European-funded Commercial Property Grant Scheme has seen nearly £1m of investment injected into 21 properties in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

But Pembroke town and county councillor Jonathan Nutting expressed his disappointment with progress so far.

“Last year, there was one thing fulfilled which was the painting,” he said.

“We have had to push and push and push to get anything else done and I feel that we have been badly ignored. That’s my opinion. Other towns may feel differently.

“It’s about one thing and that’s partnership and I think Pembroke has not had that partnership.”

An event for town teams to review progress and develop future action plans is being organised for February or March.