A NEW Home Bargains store is set to open in Pembroke Dock, promising a welcome boost to local employment and retail offerings. The discount retailer will officially launch on Friday, 26 October, occupying the site formerly held by Wilko on Pier Road.

The arrival of Home Bargains is expected to generate over 50 new jobs, with the majority being filled by local residents. Job openings range from store managers to team members, cleaners, and team leaders, with vacancies having been advertised online.

The store will take over the premises that Wilko vacated last September, following 15 years of service in the town. Wilko’s closure was part of a nationwide shutdown of 400 stores, following the company’s entry into administration.

Plans for the site have been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council, with permission granted for external changes to the building. These include a new shopfront, the installation of goods doors, and various refurbishments. The addition of condensers has also been greenlit to support the store’s operations.

Home Bargains, owned by TJ Morris Limited, has rapidly grown into one of the largest privately-owned companies in the UK, now boasting over 550 stores nationwide. The company’s expansion plans aim to surpass 1,000 outlets in the near future.

The announcement has sparked excitement in the local community, with many residents looking forward to the store’s opening. One enthusiastic shopper remarked on social media, “Book the day off, we have plans!”

Local officials have also expressed support for the new development. A report prepared for planners stated that the proposal would “enhance the functionality of the site, without detracting from or preventing the development of identified retail zones within the town centre.”

A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has appeared in court, facing charges of kidnapping a baby.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with the unlawful and forceful abduction of a baby from an address in Haverfordwest, allegedly acting against the mother’s wishes.

The case was heard at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 11 October, where it was decided that the matter would be transferred to Swansea Crown Court.

The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on 11 November, where he is expected to enter a plea.

A 42-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been sentenced to a suspended prison term following a series of alarming incidents at Shrewsbury Train Station last December.

Gareth Richards, residing on Princess Royal Way in Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday, 14 October. He faced charges of assault, public disorder, and obstructing a railway service during an altercation that took place on 2 December 2023.

The court heard that Richards assaulted another man at the train station, engaging in threatening behaviour that was likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

In a separate incident later that day, he obstructed a train by entering the cabin and demanding that it return to Shrewsbury.

For his actions, magistrates imposed two concurrent 12-week prison sentences for the assault and obstruction charges.

However, they suspended the sentence for two years, expressing confidence in Richards’ potential for rehabilitation. In addition to his suspended sentence, Richards must adhere to several conditions: abstain from alcohol for 60 days, complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, pay £100 in compensation for the public order offence, and cover £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

The court acknowledged Richards’ guilty plea as a mitigating factor during sentencing. The total amount owed to the court, which adds up to £339, will be consolidated with other outstanding payments and deducted from his benefits.