New occupant for Old Bridge site? (From Western Telegraph)

New occupant for Old Bridge site?

It is strongly rumoured that Wilkinson, one of the UKs fastest-growing high street retailers of low-priced everyday products, is on the point of clinching a deal for the former Co-operative store at Old Bridge, Haverfordwest.

At the moment the nearest of Wilkinsons 205 UK stores are in Llanelli, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.

A spokesman for the family-owned home and garden chain declined to confirm the move on Monday, as did Cardiff-based estate agents King Sturge, who are handling the sites sale.

The Wilkinson statement said: Already a household name in its heartlands of the North of England and the Midlands, the family-owned company would welcome the opportunity of opening in Haverfordwest as part of its ambitious expansion programme. However, we cannot comment on any specific site or scheme at this time.

Mr Gareth Williams of King Sturge confirmed that the store is on offer to a large retail company but said that its identity can not yet be revealed as negotiations are at a delicate stage and likely to take another week or so. The company, founded in 1930 by J. K. Wilkinson, said it plans to have 250 stores in town and city centres in the UK by 2003. Among its 25,000 product lines are essential everyday kitchenware, household disposables, clothing, DIY decoration, confectionery, garden and seasonal goods.

Chamber of Commerce president Mr John Glasby commented: Such a store would be a valuable addition to the area. Another food store would bring nothing to the town.