MANY people remain concerned about the future use of Haverfordwest Castle, and I wonder if you would be so kind as to print this letter so that those good people are aware of the stance adopted by Haverfordwest Town Council in this very important matter.

My Council has never opposed the sale of the Old Prison building as originally advertised.

It is however, totally opposed to the sale of all the other parts that lie within the boundary walls.

Most important of all is the continuation of the Town Museum. This is housed in the former Governor’s House and is the location that the museum’s trustees wish to retain. My Council holds the lease of this building and it has nearly a quarter of a century to run.

We glean from the press that, in order to offload the castle to a private developer, the county council is willing to acquire the Governor’s House by issuing a Compulsory Purchase Order. We have yet to be informed officially of this.

My Council is off the opinion that we still live in a country where such draconian actions are only permitted if there is a compelling case in the public interest. For this reason I have written to the leader of the county council asking him to inform me of the compelling case that his council is relying on.

My colleagues believe that the county council is simply trying to rid itself of responsibility for the castle and they give little or no credence to the statement that a boutique hotel will give a great stimulus to the prosperity of our town centre.

Therefore, it is a strong possibility that Haverfordwest Town Council will appeal against the compulsory purchase of the museum’s lease.

CLLR ROY THOMAS

Mayor of Haverfordwest