News

Home Bargains store in Cardigan ‘would create 100 new jobs’

Published

3 years ago

May 8, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

UP TO100 new jobs could be created in Cardigan with the planned opening of a Home Bargains discount store, pending approval from Ceredigion County Council’s Development Management Committee. The committee is expected to grant permission for T J Morris Ltd to construct the retail store on Bath House Road.

According to a report prepared for council members, the store would represent a £6 million investment in the private sector and help keep money within the local community, as the nearest Home Bargains outlet is currently located 22 miles away in Carmarthen. Home Bargains is one of the UK’s fastest growing discount retailers and has more than 550 stores throughout the country. The company aims to expand to over 1,000 stores, employing over 40,000 staff.

While some local town councillors have opposed the development, citing concerns that money would leave the town and head to England, the proposal has garnered support from Cardigan Town Council. The application seeks planning permission for the construction of a single-storey retail unit, a 182-space car park, and associated works, as well as the removal of willow trees located on the site. The developers plan to mitigate the impact of the loss of trees by planting 10 new specimen trees and 40 native shelter belt trees around the site.

There has been one objection to the proposal, which focuses on concerns about noise, traffic, pollution, security, and competition with similar businesses in the town. However, a retail impact assessment suggests that the store is unlikely to have a major adverse impact on the long-term vitality of Cardigan town centre, due to its proximity to the town centre boundary and the high possibility of linked trips between the store and other local businesses.

If approved, the new store is expected to provide a range of goods, including health and beauty products, household items, toys, and limited clothing. Home Bargains currently employs over 22,000 staff across the UK and operates within the discount retail sector.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.