RE: The closure of the Royal Oak, Fishguard.

IT is so concerning to read that the decision to close the Royal Oak Pub on Fishguard square by its owners is taking place.

Isn’t it time for Cadw to purchase this historic place?

After all Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.

Don’t you all agree that this is one of the most significant locations in North Pembrokeshire, in Wales and in Great Britain with its historical interest and substance?

Ourselves, the Welsh and British people must all remember that this pub was the location where Lord Cawdor set up his headquarters and where the unconditional surrender was signed by the invading French in 1797.

This brief campaign is referred to as the “Last invasion of Great Britain”, I’m totally shocked that Cadw or even that Pembrokeshire County Council has not even approached the current owners and offered to buy this pub back.

This French invasion was a key event in British and Welsh history. It needs promoting and developed into a heritage site as a museum and refectory. There are still so many representatives from our communities involved with this historic site, and sadly over the years the loss of key contributors devoted to the promotion of this site and event, particularly with the bicentenary celebrations.

I hope this statement shall activate the relevant leaders in Cadw and Pembrokeshire County Council to take the appropriate actions to use our money to purchase this site.

This issue needs addressing for us Welsh and British people.

Where has all the spirit, passion and pride gone?

CAPTAIN B. THOMAS AFNI ex Lt (RN)

Croesgoch