Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Jamie Adams, said:
“Seeing the maps for the first time this morning it is difficult to comment without some explanation of the rationale behind it.
“My position has always been: will the change improve the services we deliver to the public while at the same time reducing costs?
“If it doesn’t tick those two boxes, I think it is right to question the validity of this exercise.
“Apart from the obvious loss of local decision-making and accountability, I also have concerns about the real damage reorganisation could do to a very successful brand.
“I am referring to the Pembrokeshire name which is instantly recognisable to those living far outside our County and even beyond Wales.
“A large number of local businesses in tourism, agriculture, food and energy depend on, and identify strongly, with brand Pembrokeshire for their livelihood.
“I fear they will inevitably suffer if amalgamation goes ahead and in these trying times I believe it would be foolish to gamble with the health of our local economy.
“However I do welcome some of the measures that the Minister is apparently not pursuing having taken onboard the views of local government.
