THE owner of a Haverfordwest shop which will close its doors after 18 years at the end of the month has claimed Pembrokeshire County Council policies have destroyed the town centre.

Alan Emmins said he has no other option than to close his shop Fabio, located in Carlett by the train station, as a result of successive council decisions.

“The out-of-town developments have killed us in the shop and our sales on the internet have gone up,” he said.

“As soon as the developments opened, we saw a gradual fall in sales and it’s got to a situation where we can’t carry on; it’s untenable.

“The sad fact is that Haverfordwest has become a clone of many large town centres, losing its character, individualality and locally-owned unique businesses."

Since announcing an extensive closing-down sale, Fabio has seen a surge in customers pass through the doors to pick up a bargain.

The shop specialises in Fairtrade goods, French and Indian furniture, wood carvings, jewellery and gifts.

Loyal customer Linda Harries claimed the shop’s closure reflects the retail situation in the town as a whole.

“It’s such a shame it’s shutting,” she said. “There are such lovely things in here.”

“Haverfordwest is just full of charity shops. You have to go shopping in Carmarthen now, it’s ridiculous.”

“The only thing that’s nice is all the yarnbombing.”

Alan has now had to adapt to changing shopping trends and three years ago set up a website to sell his products online.

Following the closure of the shop, he will use the premises as a warehouse to store goods ready to be shipped out to customers.

“I am really enthusiastic about the business and I don’t want to see it fold up completely,” he said.

“We’re going to increase the range of products. We’ll have free delivery and hopefully click and collect.

“I’m going to focusing on Fairtrade products, furnishings, gifts crafts and just increasing our whole range completely.”

The sale will last until Friday, April 28, when there will be wine and nibbles.

Continued Alan: “We have enjoyed having this wonderful collection of unique goods under one roof, however we must move on.

“We wish to thank all our customers past and present for their support over the years, of which many have become friends.”

Visit fabioworld.co.uk to shop online or email fabioethical@outlook.com