Business

WH Smith takeover by Hobbycraft raises fears of ‘book desert’ in Pembrokeshire

Published

12 months ago

March 28, 2025

THE SALE of WH Smith’s high street stores has raised concerns that Pembrokeshire could become a “book desert,” limiting access to reading for young people and reducing opportunities for book lovers. With Tenby’s WH Smith and Haverfordwest’s branch now changing brands, the county could soon be left without a major high street book retailer—though independent bookshops like Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest continue to serve the community.

WH Smith has now sold its 233-year-old high street business to the owner of Hobbycraft in a £76 million deal. The sale includes 480 stores and affects roughly 5,000 staff. Both the Haverfordwest and Tenby branches are likely to be impacted by the changes, with rebranding on the horizon. The move raises fresh questions about the future of bookselling in the region and whether books will remain a central part of the new business model.

The retailer had previously confirmed it was exploring the sale of around 500 high street stores to focus on its 1,300 branches in airports, hospitals, and train stations. While WH Smith has often been dismissed as “not highbrow enough,” author Gareth Rubin, whose works include Holmes and Moriarty, stressed its importance in introducing people to books. “Kids who started with comics then moved on to children’s books and later to adult fiction. People popped in for stationery and left with a novel. That’s brilliant. If it disappears, we lose that.”

WH Smith’s high street division remains profitable, generating £452m in revenue last year with £32m in profit.

For many Pembrokeshire residents, WH Smith has long been a vital gateway to reading. “As a child, I used to get WH Smith gift vouchers for Christmas to spend on books, so to see the chain leaving our high streets is a huge loss,” said Victoria Selman, author of Truly Darkly Deeply.

“I don’t think the importance of WH Smith’s book sections can be overstated,” added Sarah Underwood, author of Gentlest of Wild Things. “They’re critical for getting books into the hands of teenagers, especially those who are reluctant readers or those who can’t afford the higher prices of independent bookshops.”

In many towns, WH Smith is the only place to buy books without resorting to online shopping. “It’s a huge blow for readers who now find themselves in a book desert,” said Jess Popplewell, author of The Dark Within Us. However, Victoria Bookshop remains a key source of books in Haverfordwest, providing an alternative for local readers.

Authors have also voiced concerns about the potential loss of major book promotion platforms. The Richard and Judy Book Club, run in partnership with WH Smith, has provided many writers with a chance to reach new audiences. “If WH Smith’s high street stores go, it’s likely the book club will disappear too,” said Selman. “That’s another major opportunity lost for authors trying to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.”

Publishers are also watching closely. Major firms including Hachette and Bloomsbury have urged any new buyer to keep books as a central part of the business. Pan Macmillan noted that WH Smith’s high street stores “play a vital role in the bookselling ecosystem.”

“If these stores close, it would be incredibly damaging for the publishing industry and authors,” said David Headley, managing director of Goldsboro Books. “There will be fewer avenues for promoting commercial fiction and emerging writers.”

Chris Vick, author of Shadow Creatures, warned that fewer bookshops mean fewer readers. “As the channels through which people buy books shrink, the world narrows. There’s less choice, less visibility, and, in the end, fewer people reading.”

With the loss of WH Smith in Tenby and the potential changes ahead for Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire faces an uncertain literary future. The question now is whether independent bookshops like Victoria Bookshop can step in to fill the gap, or if the county will see a permanent decline in high street bookselling.

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

Published

36 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.