Concerns have been raised in the community that Tenby Sea Cadets’ longstanding presence at the town’s harbour could be at risk, following talks with Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the occupation of the building.

The long-established youth group has supported thousands of young people in Tenby and the local area over the years, from its base in the heart of the coastal town’s harbour, teaching nautical skills, and helping cadets see the world with confidence, gained through the challenge of nautical adventure and a Royal Navy ethos.

The Sea Cadets is an independent registered charity which relies heavily on funding along with the support of instructional and non-instructional volunteers who enable the cadet experience to be delivered in the local community.

However, it has been revealed that the County Council have been in discussions with the Sea Cadets regarding the occupation of the building in the harbour and renewal of the lease, with the Authority looking to negotiate terms which are in accordance with the Council’s adopted Strategic Asset Management Plan.

PCC have stated that it is keen to retain the Sea Cadets in the harbour and have been exploring other opportunities with them, such as working with the Sailing Club, but have instructed the District Valuer to provide a view on the market rent, so that full consideration can be given to the matter.

County councillor Michael Williams, who represents the Tenby North ward said that it would be ‘most regrettable’ if the Sea Cadets lost its base.

“The building has been used for many years as a training centre for the Sea Cadets, and it would be most regrettable if this facility were to be lost,” remarked Clr. Williams, who has contacted PCC to relay his concerns that if the valuation of the building is a commercial one, it will without doubt price the charity organisation out of Tenby harbour.

“Tenby sea cadets have provided an invaluable opportunity for local youngsters for many years and their future I hope is going to be secured by the authority. I am concerned that the council’s policy is pricing out local individuals and organisations from the area which is having a detrimental affect on the community.

“I do understand the need for the authority to be more commercial in its operations, but not at a cost to the local community, and we appear to be a considerable distance from achieving this balance,” added Clr. Williams.