A plan to ban cars in the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby has angered local residents, who say they were not consulted about the proposals.

The scheme, which is on trial throughout August, means that vehicles have been forbidden from driving within the town walls between noon and 1600 BST.

Caldey Island will be affected by the scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council has implemented the ban as a way of reducing traffic congestion within the town walls during the busy summer season.

But a demonstration against the move was held on Saturday - the first day of the scheme - by 25 members of the newly formed Tenby's Walled Town residents association.

Members are angry that they were not consulted on the proposals before they went ahead.

Residents concerns

Richard Walker, chairman of the association, said he feared the four-week trial will become permanent.

"I live within the town walls and if I want to use my car between the hours of the ban then I have to park it outside the boundaries of the scheme," he said.

Mr Walker said that about 90 people have joined the residents association to voice their concerns about the project.

This scheme is having a huge impact on everyone

Chairman, Richard Walker

"People who use the harbour for business and pleasure are imposed upon and the residents of Caldey Island are affected enormously too.

"We are angry that not enough was done to find out the impact a total pedestrianisation scheme would have on people who live within the town walls.

"We would welcome a scheme which showed some discretion - a permit scheme for example," he added.

Huge impact

Residents affected by the pedestriansiation have been told permission to move their cars within the town walls during the ban will only be granted on health and safety grounds.

"This scheme is having a huge impact on everyone," said Mr Walker.

"Tourists staying at hotels within the walls will have to park their cars outside the ban area and carry their luggage to their hotel.

"Families who live in the town have to plan they days out in advance in case they need to use their car.

"Businesses have to make sure they are well stocked because going out in the car to get any urgent supplies will not be allowed."

Experimental traffic order

He added that the group would support any proposals for a traffic limitation scheme in the town but not a total ban on vehicle movement.

No-one from Pembrokeshire County Council was available for comment.

A statement on their website said: "The council has agreed to proceed with an experimental traffic order...

".. the effect of which will be to create a pedestrianised traffic free environment within the Walled Town for a four-hour period every day from 3 August to 31 August 2002.

"Tenby is an important tourist destination and the measure should improve the enjoyment of the town centre by residents and visitors and hopefully encourage more people to visit and return to Tenby in the future."