PEMBROKE Dock Mayor Peter Kraus has described the news that DIY giant B&Q is to close its store in Pembroke Dock as “a sad day” for the town.

The closure is one of nine across Wales, including Cardigan.

The number of jobs to be lost and exact timescale is not yet known.

In March Kingfisher, the company that owns B&Q, revealed it was to undergo a major restructuring.

As a result, it would be closing 60 stores across the UK in the next two years, it said.

Other Welsh stores affected include Aberystwyth, Cwmdu (Swansea), Deeside, Gorseinon, Neath, Cardiff, and Ebbw Vale.

The closures mean the nearest store for Pembrokeshire, and neighbouring Ceredigion, will be Carmarthen.

Pembroke Dock Mayor Peter Kraus said: “This is going to be huge loss to the town, it’s the loss of jobs again in the area; we’ve lost enough shops in the town centre and to lose that one, which is a massive property, is devastating; what’s going to happen next?

“We’re going to have an empty building, how long will it be empty for?

“From my point of view it’s a sad loss, it really is. Let’s hope it can be resolved and another company can be moved in.

“It’s going to be a huge loss to the town itself; B&Q have been very, very good with their support of charity, they’ve helped me no end, especially down Hobbs Point.”

Marc Tierney, Labour's Assembly Candidate for South Pembrokeshire said: “This is devastating news for employees of B&Q Pembroke Dock.

“The decision by the Kingfisher group to close this store highlights just how fragile our local economy is - especially in an area where disposable income remains low. The UK Government in cutting tax credits for the lowest paid will only make that problem worse.

“B&Q is a destination store attracting footfall from a much wider area. Its closure will impact other local businesses as well as those directly employed. I know the Welsh Government will provide support to those workers who now face an uncertain employment future.”

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams has raised his concern about the closure of both the Cardigan and Aberystwyth branches.

Mark said: “I am very concerned to hear that both of B&Q’s stores in Ceredigion will be closing. This will have a substantial impact on employment in the area and is understandably causing worry for many people who work at either of the stores.”