The shutters are down, the shelves are bare and Haverfordwest has bid farewell to the long-standing family business, Shaws the Drapers.

Yesterday, after weeks of speculation, it was confirmed that the company had finally gone into liquidation, resulting in the closure of 28 shops throughout England and Wales.

These include outlets at both Haverfordwest and Carmarthen town centres.

Staff were sent emails just two days after Christmas, informing them that the 106-year-old business was no longer viable.

Owner Philip Shaw had hoped to restructure the business, which sold a range of curtains, bedlinens and home goods, after what he described as ‘a challenging year’.

But this week, the 150-strong workforce learnt that Shaw’s wish was no longer viable. The company was placed into voluntary liquidation and trading ceased on December 23.

This closure presents yet another blow to Haverfordwest town centre.

The trend towards online shopping and out-of-town retail outlets means that the once-grand county town is today a mere shadow of its former self.

This morning, as cars queued bumper-to-bumper to enter the Withybush retail park, the town centre was left standing forlorn and jaded in the relentless December rain.

Last year the Harper Dennis Hobbs towns ‘vitality’ rankings placed Haverfordwest as the eighth worst high street in the UK.

This publication is released every two years to determine the health of high streets and shopping centres by analysing factors including vacancy rates, residents' movements and the suitability to local consumer demand.

However as work continues on the ambitious £6.3m Western Quayside investment at the site of Haverfordwest’s former Ocky White department store, hopes continue that the elegant town can once again reclaim her rightful status.

Hand-in-hand with the Quayside development is the redevelopment of the town’s multi-storey car park, the enhancement of the castle and the acquisition of the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The total value of these works over the period of the partnership – potentially more than 20 years – is likely to surpass £30million.

The developments are being hailed as an integral means of boosting footfall and revitalising commerce back into the historic market town.

“I’m very optimistic that Haverfordwest town centre will once again become a thriving commercial and residential location of choice, with the knock-on effect of creating a resilient and vibrant community,” commented Cllr Thomas Baden Tudor, vice chair of Pembrokeshire County Council and town councillor for the Castle Ward, Haverfordwest.

“Work is steadily underway and I’m confident that the developments will have a major impact in increasing footfall into the town centre.”

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Earlier this year the multi-storey car park at Cartlett Road was closed for demolition to make way for a new public transport interchange.

This aims to establish what county planners describe as ‘a seamless journey and clear transition’ for passengers using the town’s transport facilities.