Local Assembly Member Joyce Watson AM has attacked Pembrokeshire Council Leader John Davies for "a failure to lead" and for "wasting public money," as it emerged that a two year old independent report into parking had cost Pembrokeshire residents £67,000.

Mrs Watson wrote to Mr Davies last month, strongly urging him to reconsider his parking charge plans for Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven, Narberth, Fishguard, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

She warned that the additional costs would be a severe blow to local businesses and retail outlets at a particularly difficult time.

She also expressed concern that the Pembrokeshire parking survey was commissioned two years ago, before the economic downturn, so was "outdated and unrealistic", and asked why independent consultants had been hired, when local expertise could have been drawn on at a lower cost.

Mr Davies' reply confirmed that the report cost £67,000, "following a recommendation of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee."

Joyce Watson blasted him, saying: "£67,000 is a huge amount for this consultation, while the expertise of Pembrokeshire's own officers could have been used and this money spent on much-needed local services."

"For a leader to blame a committee for such a waste of public money is a failure to lead, and an exercise in blame spreading. He should stand by his decisions and explain them to all the small businesses his plans will hurt."

Labour leader of the opposition Sue Perkins added: "Pembrokeshire people want a sensible answer to the challenges of parking, not this waste of public money."

For further information on Joyce Watson AM click on www.joycewatson.co.uk .

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