Business

WH Smith takeover by Hobbycraft raises fears of ‘book desert’ in Pembrokeshire

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2025

THE SALE of WH Smith’s high street stores has raised concerns that Pembrokeshire could become a “book desert,” limiting access to reading for young people and reducing opportunities for book lovers. With Tenby’s WH Smith and Haverfordwest’s branch now changing brands, the county could soon be left without a major high street book retailer—though independent bookshops like Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest continue to serve the community.

WH Smith has now sold its 233-year-old high street business to the owner of Hobbycraft in a £76 million deal. The sale includes 480 stores and affects roughly 5,000 staff. Both the Haverfordwest and Tenby branches are likely to be impacted by the changes, with rebranding on the horizon. The move raises fresh questions about the future of bookselling in the region and whether books will remain a central part of the new business model.

The retailer had previously confirmed it was exploring the sale of around 500 high street stores to focus on its 1,300 branches in airports, hospitals, and train stations. While WH Smith has often been dismissed as “not highbrow enough,” author Gareth Rubin, whose works include Holmes and Moriarty, stressed its importance in introducing people to books. “Kids who started with comics then moved on to children’s books and later to adult fiction. People popped in for stationery and left with a novel. That’s brilliant. If it disappears, we lose that.”

WH Smith’s high street division remains profitable, generating £452m in revenue last year with £32m in profit.

For many Pembrokeshire residents, WH Smith has long been a vital gateway to reading. “As a child, I used to get WH Smith gift vouchers for Christmas to spend on books, so to see the chain leaving our high streets is a huge loss,” said Victoria Selman, author of Truly Darkly Deeply.

“I don’t think the importance of WH Smith’s book sections can be overstated,” added Sarah Underwood, author of Gentlest of Wild Things. “They’re critical for getting books into the hands of teenagers, especially those who are reluctant readers or those who can’t afford the higher prices of independent bookshops.”

In many towns, WH Smith is the only place to buy books without resorting to online shopping. “It’s a huge blow for readers who now find themselves in a book desert,” said Jess Popplewell, author of The Dark Within Us. However, Victoria Bookshop remains a key source of books in Haverfordwest, providing an alternative for local readers.

Authors have also voiced concerns about the potential loss of major book promotion platforms. The Richard and Judy Book Club, run in partnership with WH Smith, has provided many writers with a chance to reach new audiences. “If WH Smith’s high street stores go, it’s likely the book club will disappear too,” said Selman. “That’s another major opportunity lost for authors trying to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.”

Publishers are also watching closely. Major firms including Hachette and Bloomsbury have urged any new buyer to keep books as a central part of the business. Pan Macmillan noted that WH Smith’s high street stores “play a vital role in the bookselling ecosystem.”

“If these stores close, it would be incredibly damaging for the publishing industry and authors,” said David Headley, managing director of Goldsboro Books. “There will be fewer avenues for promoting commercial fiction and emerging writers.”

Chris Vick, author of Shadow Creatures, warned that fewer bookshops mean fewer readers. “As the channels through which people buy books shrink, the world narrows. There’s less choice, less visibility, and, in the end, fewer people reading.”

With the loss of WH Smith in Tenby and the potential changes ahead for Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire faces an uncertain literary future. The question now is whether independent bookshops like Victoria Bookshop can step in to fill the gap, or if the county will see a permanent decline in high street bookselling.

Business

Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

Published

8 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

Business

The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

Published

12 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Business

Pembrokeshire Broad Haven holiday park works refused

Published

1 day ago

May 6, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A DEVELOPMENT call for a Pembrokeshire holiday park has been turned down by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

In an application to park planners, Broad Haven Holiday Park, through agent Gerald Blain Associates, sought permission for the relocation of a boat storage area, vehicle shed and play area along with rewilding of adjoining fields at Broad Haven Holiday Park, Broad Haven, near Haverfordwest.

The application was supported by local community council The Havens.

However, an officer report recommended refusal.

Detailing the application, it said: “The proposal relates to the extension of an existing static caravan holiday site into adjacent undeveloped woodland to accommodate the relocation of boat storage, a vehicle shed, and a children’s play area, together with associated ecological mitigation measures. No increased pitch numbers are proposed.

“The development site has already undergone some site clearance, resulting in the removal of approximately 1,000 square metres of woodland.”

It went on to say: “The existing site is already intervisible with the coast, and the proposed relocation of boat storage would likely increase its visibility rather than reduce it. Without supporting evidence in the form of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) or Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) demonstrating that the development would be visually contained, the proposal appears contrary to the guidance contained within the SPG and the objectives of Policy 41.

“As a result, the proposed development is considered to detract from the special qualities of the National Park in this location and would be detrimental to the quality and character of the landscape character area in which the site sits, and as such does not comply [with policies].”

The application was refused on grounds including it being sited within previously undeveloped land within a flood zone, a lack of information on potential impacts on biodiversity, and it is “considered to detract from the special qualities of the national park in this location and would be detrimental to the quality and character of the landscape character area in which the site sits”.