News
Greggs stores across UK closed due to technical issue, affecting morning trade
CUSTOMERS looking to start their day with coffee and breakfast from Greggs were left disappointed as stores across the country remained shut. The popular bakery chain experienced widespread closures due to a technical glitch that prevented shops from accepting payments. The issue was first reported by customers on social media, who found their local stores closed unexpectedly.
In Newcastle, a city known for its numerous Greggs outlets, all stores were reported to be closed. One regular customer expressed their frustration, saying, “I can’t believe it – I have one every morning but not today.” Despite the closures, Greggs has been attempting to maintain service through delivery options where possible. Some stores have placed signs in their windows, indicating that they will remain closed until the payment issue is resolved.
A spokesperson for Greggs confirmed the problem, stating, “We are currently experiencing issues accepting payments in our shops. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible.” The exact number of affected stores is not clear, but reports suggest that some locations are still operating normally.
This incident adds to a series of recent technical problems that have hit some of the UK’s biggest food retailers. Sainsbury’s experienced difficulties with online grocery deliveries and contactless payments in stores last Saturday due to an overnight software update. Tesco and McDonald’s have also faced unrelated technical issues, affecting orders and service.
As the situation develops, Greggs has promised to provide updates. Customers are advised to check social media and local store notices for the latest information.
GREGGS customers across the UK, including in Pembrokeshire, found themselves bereft of their morning sustenance as a slew of the beloved bakery’s outlets failed to open their doors today.
The high street staple, renowned for its piping hot coffee and hearty breakfast offerings, has left customers bewildered and disappointed, sparking an immediate flurry of concern on social media platforms.
Eyewitness accounts and digital laments tell a similar tale of confusion and caffeine-deprived frustration.
Many loyal patrons, accustomed to kickstarting their day with a visit to their local Greggs, were greeted instead by closed shutters and apology-laden notices.
The sudden closure has been attributed to a pervasive technical glitch affecting the chain’s ability to process payments, casting a shadow over morning routines nationwide.
The epicentre of this unexpected shutdown appears to be Newcastle, a city synonymous with the Greggs brand, where all outlets have reportedly ceased operation for the day. One disconsolate customer shared their dismay, “I can’t believe it – I have one every morning but not today.” Despite the inconvenience, some customers are exploring alternative avenues to obtain their Greggs fix, with delivery services reportedly still in operation.
Storefronts across the affected areas have been hastily adorned with signs informing customers of the temporary closure, assuring that efforts are underway to rectify the issue posthaste. A spokesperson for Greggs has publicly acknowledged the predicament, stating, “We are currently experiencing issues accepting payments in our shops. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible.”
As this story develops, the exact scale of the disruption remains unclear. Reports indicate that while many branches are impacted by the payment processing debacle, a select few are continuing to operate as usual. This latest hiccup for Greggs adds to a growing list of technical failures that have plagued some of the UK’s most prominent food and retail brands in recent times.
Only days prior, Sainsbury’s was compelled to announce that a significant portion of its online grocery delivery services had been halted due to complications arising from an overnight software update—a malaise that also affected in-store contactless transactions. Similarly, Tesco and McDonald’s have found themselves wrestling with their own unrelated technological quandaries, leading to service interruptions and customer inconvenience.
As the Greggs saga unfolds, loyal customers and casual patrons alike are left to navigate the inconvenience and hope for a swift resolution. With the promise of updates on the horizon, the nation waits eagerly for the return of its beloved bakery operations, and with it, the restoration of a cherished morning ritual.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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