FISHGUARD and Goodwick Town Council unanimously backed a proposal to maintain a controversial access order on The Slade in Fishguard.

Councillors were asked by Pembrokeshire County Council’s traffic manager for their view on the retention or removal of the driving prohibition order when they met last Tuesday (January 21.)

It was introduced in December 1984 by the Preseli District Council and prevents driving on The Slade unless accessing premises on or adjacent to the road.

A request was made to remove the order by a local resident, who believed it was an unnecessary privilege for the residents in the cul de sac, and that an enquiry carried out by County Councillor Myles Pepper should have been made to a wider group of residents.

Cllr Pepper was later investigated by the Public Service Ombudsman, after he failed to declare an interest in the matter.

Cllr Alex Allison said: “I remember when the order was first made because I was on the Preseli District Council at the time.

“The order was made for a number of reasons; they need completely clear access for the emergency services. If you allow free access you could end up in a position where someone gets hurt. I don’t think anything has changed and I would like to see it kept in place."

His proposal to retain the order was seconded by Cllr Mike Lloyd and all were in favour.

During the same meeting Cllr Belinda Davies raised concerns about road safety at the Tesco Express car park in Goodwick.

She said seven parishioners had come to her with concerns about the ferry-side entrance and exit, which is close to the roundabout.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen” she said.

Cllr Richard Grosvenor agreed. He said: “I go out the other way just to avoid that situation."

A letter on the issue is now going to be written to Pembrokeshire County Council’s road safety officer John Gobbi.