News

Store closures speculated amidst financial strain

Published

1 year ago

August 24, 2023

ADMINISTATORS for the beleaguered retailer Wilko, with branches in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, have refuted allegations that a large number of stores will close next week.

These claims emerged after the GMB union, representing over 3,000 of Wilko’s 12,500 employees, intimated that mass redundancies were imminent.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), managing the administration, dismissed these assertions as mere “speculation”. The GMB later amended their statement, suggesting closures would occur “within weeks”.

It’s been a fortnight since Wilko entered administration, casting doubt over its 400 nationwide outlets. PwC has been actively seeking potential buyers in an endeavour to protect as many jobs and branches as possible. Nonetheless, a recent meeting conveyed the grim prognosis that the “majority of the business” might not be salvaged.

Rumours abound regarding interest from competitors such as Poundland, B&M, The Range, and Home Bargains in acquiring portions of the Wilko empire.

The joint administrators of Wilko affirmed that for now, “all stores remain open”. They, however, didn’t rule out prospective store closures and redundancies. They added, “While there’s interest from various parties, the focus isn’t on the entire group. Regrettably, store closures and redundancies seem likely in the near future.”

Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, pledged unwavering support for Wilko employees. He criticised Wilko’s leadership, stating, “GMB will not overlook the incompetence leading to this downfall nor the dividends pocketed by millionaires at workers’ expense.”

The potential closure of Wilko outlets is anticipated to create a significant void on high streets nationwide. Shadow business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, lamented the prospective closures and criticised 13 years of Conservative governance, which, in his view, has led to an increase in “shuttered-up shops and struggling high streets”. He underscored Labour’s commitment to revitalising high streets through reforms and initiatives.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.