News

Pembroke Dock : Unemployment uncertainties as Brantano goes into administration

Published

10 years ago

January 26, 2016

DISCOUNT shoe retailer Brantano is one of the first large retailers of 2016 to crumble under the pressures of the pivotal Christmas trading period. Brantano currently employs over 2,000 staff across the UK, and the closest stores are at London Road in Pembroke Dock and at Stephen’s Way in Carmarthen.

The shoe chain trades under different owners around Europe, but it is only the UK firm, which started-up in 1998, that is going i 22845414 nto administration.

Company turnaround experts Alteri Investors bought Brantano in October 2015 for £12 million, but PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the appointed accountancy firm in charge of Brantano’s administration, stated that the shoe business was suffering from “difficult trading conditions.”

Tony Barrell, lead administrator at PwC, said that a change in shoppers’ buying habits is to blame for the increasing struggles of “bricks and mortar” stores compared to their online counterparts.

Business Correspondent Emma Simpson said that “it appears that Brantano’s trading position was worse than Alteri expected. Christmas trading was also below expectations.”

Mr Barrell stated that: “Staff will continue to be paid for their work during the administration.” However, Pembroke Dock’s mayor Peter Kraus expressed his concerns regarding the long-term employment situation for the London Road store – if PwC fail to find a buyer, the number of jobs that will be lost is uncertain.

Following the closing of Pembroke Dock B&Q in October last year, Cllr Kraus warns that Pembrokeshire employment prospects could become bleaker if yet another nationwide chain in the London Road retail park disintegrates.

Cllr Kraus continued: “It was bad enough with B&Q – it feels like it’s a waiting game. Who is going to close next? Fingers crossed it won’t happen but it would be a huge loss for the town.”

PwC released a statement saying: “Brantano is an established value shoe retailer in the UK and it attracted considerable interest during the 2015 sales process. The administrators are continuing to trade as normal whilst we assess the trading strategy over the coming weeks.” PwC is understood to have already been approached by a number of interested buyers.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.