More than 100 worried traders and residents attended a public meeting called to discuss the possibility of a superstore coming to Narberth.
The meeting, which was chaired by local AM Angela Burns, discussed the planning application for a 10,000 sq ft Co-op store on the site of the former Brains Brewery in Spring Gardens.
“There were 120 people in the room which shows the strength of feeling on the subject,” says Mrs Burns. “We don’t want a supermarket on that site.”
Petition letters have now been signed by 1,400 people and Mrs Burns urged as many people as possible to also send in individual letters of objection.
“Narberth is facing a triple whammy of a huge rates increase, the introduction of parking charges and now this threat of an edge of town supermarket,” said Mrs Burns.
The meeting, organised by Narberth Chamber of Trade, was also attended by local county councillors David Simpson, Rob Lewis and Huw George.
They explained the planning process and what can be expected if the application goes to appeal.
Chamber of Trade secretary Gordon Barry also spoke about the rates issue. “We have seen our rates increase not three per cent in line with inflation but 300%, and don’t forget we have to pay this up front,” he said. “The net effect is that we have to find three to four thousand in cash to pay our rates to keep going.
“We have worked hard to make our town special and now we are being punished for that success.”
Local residents raised fears of late night deliveries and refrigerated units running for long hours.
Conservative Parliamentary candidate Simon Hart pressed for a council report into the possible uses of the old school to be made public.
“I understand the study looked into what would happen to the town if a food store came to the old school, we need to see that report.
“The old depot is even further out of town than the school so any detrimental effect that such a development would have had at the school would be magnified on the brewery site.”
