FISHGUARD and Goodwick Town Council is going to write to Pembrokeshire County Council expressing concerns about the lack of local registry services.

The registrar used to come to Fishguard Town Hall once a week allowing local people to register births and deaths. But the outstation service was suspended along with others in Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Tenby and Narberth last August due to long term staff illness.

The services are now proposed for closure due to a fall in footfall over the last five years.

Changes in maternity services also mean more births will be registered in Carmarthenshire than Pembrokeshire.

If the move goes ahead people wanting to access registry services will have to travel to Cherry Grove in Haverfordwest.

Discussing the move at the last town council meeting, Councillor Belinda Davies said: “It’s harder for people to get to Haverfordwest, particularly if it’s an elderly spouse who doesn’t drive.”

She added: “It could be quite intimidating for some older people to go all the way to Cherry Grove. At least when they come to Town Hall they’re in familiar surroundings.”

Cllr Mike Mayberry asked if the Tourist Information Centre could provide the service, but Cllr Alex Allison said it had to be done by a qualified registrar. Councillors voted unanimously on the proposal to send a letter of concern.