South Pembrokeshire’s Conservative politicians are supporting a battle by Narberth’s traders to stop a Co-op store being built on the edge of town.
The supermarket plans to build a 10,000 square foot store on the site of the former Brains Brewery in Spring Gardens.
More than two hundred people signed letters against the development in just one High Street shop in one day.
Now local AM Angela Burns and parliamentary candidate Simon Hart have added their voices to the campaign.
“Narberth traders are facing a really tough few months with rates going through the roof, car parking charges being introduced and now this,” said Mrs Burns.
“The Co-op will have an unfair advantage in that it can provide free parking and will have lower rates because it is on the edge of town.
“If we are forced down a retail route for the edge of town sites like this one then it must be a development that complements and enhances the town.
“It needs to draw more people to the town, increase the footfall in the High Street and ensure that areas such as Market Square and James Street don’t become isolated.”
Mr Hart is concerned at the effect the development would have on Narberth’s many independent shops.
“Narberth has become the jewel in Pembrokeshire’s retail crown and it would be a great pity to see an edge of town store spoil that,” he said.
“Many people park in the High Street to pop to the shops for a pint of milk and pick up a birthday present or new pair of shoes while they are there.
“I fear that people won’t bother to walk in from an edge of town supermarket and that the little shops will lose much of that passing trade.”
