Double blow as county loses out to Carmarthen (From Western Telegraph)

Double blow as county loses out to Carmarthen

With the announcement that Marks and Spencer are to invest £500,000 in its Carmarthen store, there is once again disappointment that the company will not be coming to Haverford-west.

The attention of Marks and Spencer was drawn to the empty Leos Store on the old Bridge.

Town manager Gordon Doughty said: I wrote pointing out the possibilities of the Leos site and I am sure Leos agents did the same. But I got no response at all .

The Carmarthen store is to be given a new look and a new cafe called Cafe Revive. Work will begin this week. Nine new staff are being taken on. Asked whether Marks and Spencer had considered the Leos site or any other in Haverfordwest, a spokesperson said the company did not wish to comment.

She added that she was sure that many people from Haverfordwest and other parts of the county currently use the Carmarthen store. Shoppers are also welcome to use the internet and catalogue.

lThere was further disappointment for Haverfordwest when developers interested in a three-acre site at Withybush roundabout changed their mind.

Local estate agents R. K. Lucas and Son - acting for the owners of Glanafon Farm, Miss Emily Jenkins and Mr Fred Jenkins of Haverfordwest - advertised the paddock last year.

The asking price at £350,000 surprised people. But roundabout sites on a busy ferry and tourist routes are in great demand nationally.

Mr Paul Lucas said: We have had regular interest in the site and we did have one buyer who seemed very keen. They flew into Withybush Airport and saw the site which they wanted for multi use. But it seems they changed their minds.

Haverfordwest appears to have lost out to another town, which I believe might be Carmarthen.