News

Milford Haven’s largest shop to close after 15 years of trading

Published

10 months ago

May 16, 2025

Final day of trading set for 26 June as staff express heartbreak and community voices support

MILFORD HAVEN will lose one of its most prominent retailers next month, as The Original Factory Shop has confirmed it will permanently close its doors on 26 June after 15 years of service to the town.

The announcement, made via social media on Thursday (May 16), ended weeks of speculation about the future of the Charles Street store. Located in the former Woolworths building, The Original Factory Shop has been a key part of the high street since 2009, offering fashion, homewares, toys and personal care items.

“With a heavy heart we regret to inform you that the rumours are true,” the store posted. “The Original Factory Shop Milford Haven has served you for 15 years and will be closing its doors for the final time on the 26th June. We have loved being a part of this community – in fact, no, we are proud!”

Staff at the store have asked for kindness and understanding from the public in the coming weeks, describing the situation as “truly devastating.” Milford Haven Town Council responded with a public message of support, writing: “Sending our very best wishes to all the staff at The Original Factory Shop – Milford Haven.”

Financial difficulties behind the closure

As previously reported by The Herald, the store had been under threat since the beginning of the year, following a period of financial instability for the national retailer. The company recorded a pre-tax loss of £286,000 in the year ending March 2023, down from a £6.6 million profit the year before. Revenues also fell from £124.4 million to £118.7 million, with a modest reduction in staff numbers.

These figures were attributed to the end of government COVID-19 support measures, rising operational costs, and a shift in consumer habits towards online shopping. A short-lived clearance sale and earlier announcement that the Milford Haven branch would remain open ultimately failed to reverse the situation.

The closure will leave a large unit vacant in a prominent part of Charles Street, prompting concerns about the continued decline of high street retail in the town. However, plans are already being developed to bring new life to the site.

Health and fitness centre proposed for site

The Herald understands that a planning application has been submitted to convert the premises into a new health and fitness centre. The facility, proposed by Inner Tiger Fitness, would operate 24 hours a day and offer gym facilities, fitness classes, a protein bar, sunbeds and a health-focused retail area. The project aims to promote both physical and mental well-being and is expected to create several new jobs locally.

This potential redevelopment offers a glimmer of hope for Milford Haven’s town centre, which has seen several major retailers close in recent years. If approved, the fitness centre could bring renewed footfall and energy to Charles Street, helping to offset the impact of the store’s closure.

In the meantime, The Original Factory Shop is inviting customers to visit before the final trading day on 26 June — whether to take advantage of end-of-line bargains or simply to say goodbye.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

37 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.