News

Wilko stores in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock to close amid nationwide shutdown

Published

2 years ago

September 11, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE residents face a retail blow as Wilko announces the closure of all its stores nationwide, impacting locations in Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen.

Following unsuccessful negotiations with potential investors, the retail chain confirmed on Monday that its entire portfolio of 408 stores will be shuttered by the start of October. PwC, the administrators, relayed this distressing news to the employees.

Furthermore, next week will witness the closing of two significant Wilko distribution centres in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and Newport, Wales. The latter centre holds significance for Welsh workers, where already 299 jobs have been terminated.

Nadine Houghton, GMB’s national officer, commented, “Wilko wasn’t just a retailer or a brand; it symbolised thousands of devoted employees who are now grappling with an unpredictable future. It’s the workers who will bear the brunt of this collapse, even though they aren’t at fault.”

Earlier, PwC made public the termination of 52 Wilko outlets along with the unfortunate retrenchment of more than 1,300 workers.

Doug Putman, the individual responsible for the HMV turnaround in the UK and the owner of Toys R Us in Canada, had been actively engaged in discussions to save nearly half of Wilko’s outlets. This move would have provided a beacon of hope to the 12,000+ employees.

Despite last week’s £13m deal by B&M to rescue 51 store locations, job security for the staff wasn’t part of the agreement.

Conversations are ongoing between the administrators and Poundland for an approximate 100 store locations. However, any potential deal would only materialise post the closure of the Wilko stores, and it wouldn’t safeguard staff transfers.

The Range, another discount retailer, has shown interest in the Wilko brand.

Unfortunately, Putman’s ambitious strategy, which presented the most promising prospect of retaining both the outlets and their workforce, encountered challenges earlier this month. Key suppliers, including household names like Unilever and Procter & Gamble, expressed concerns about debts and supply commitments.

Wilko, with roots tracing back to 1930 and having stepped in to occupy spaces left vacant by Woolworths in 2008, seems set to become another name in the annals of high street history.

Commenting on the situation, Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown remarked, “The familiar red and white storefronts of Wilko might soon be memories. This setback couldn’t have emerged at a more challenging period for the high street, battling both the cost of living crisis and online competition.”

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

4 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.