Without a permanent order banning traffic within Tenby's town walls during peak times throughout July and August, the resort risks becoming a 'no-go area' for tourists.

This was Pembrokeshire County Council's submission to the four day inquiry into the town's controversial pedestrianisation scheme when county council appointed planning inspector Clive Nield heard the complex pros and cons from officials, residents and business people.

The consensus from those most affected by the scheme was that they could live with a degree of inconvenience but the Tenby Walled Town Residents' Association (TWTRA) felt the scheme proposed excessive and unnecessary restrictions.

TWTRA secretary Alistair Mackay submitted that full-time residents were key elements to a town and he feared they would move out, leaving a 'second home shell.'

In the closing submissions on behalf of the TWTRA, A. J. Mendelsohn told the inquiry: "Real hardship is being inflicted on people by the overly restrictive and narrow interpretation of the guidelines."

The council's director of transport, Ian Westley, said it was not intended to impose hardship on anyone living and working within the town walls, but it was unlikely that a compromise would be found to satisfy everyone.

Senior traffic officer, Geoff Sutton, said the original 2002 ban had been 'watered down' but the time had come for firmer action as lack of enforcement had caused chaos.

TWTRA chairman, Richard Walker, disagreed and said that unrestricted vehicular access was allowed even at the Tower of London where residents were not incarcerated as in Tenby.

He called for a more fluent and flexible approach from the county council.

Mr Mendelsohn added: "Allowing everybody a few extra journeys, possibly not even one a day, would relieve so much hardship suffered by members of the community."

An extra day was needed due to the strength of feeling which prompted additional individuals to come forward to be heard.

The consensus was that Inspector Nield had presided with a firm and fair hand, said Mr Mackay afterwards.