Following the devastating blow that Sainsbury’s had pulled out of its deal to open a store at Narberth’s old primary school, County Councillor Wynne Evans is keen to set the record straight over confusion surrounding the development.

In a statement to the Observer, the immediate past chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Wynne Evans said: “It is fair to say I was somewhat disappointed to receive a ’phone call from Sainsbury’s headquarters last week confirming their intentions not to proceed with their store in Narberth.”

He continued: “I think a few things need to be clarified as their is still much confusion.

“Firstly, the site is still under the ownership of the county council. A preferred developer, Cardiff-based, was the company submitting designs and plans. Sainsbury’s would have leased the main large retail unit from them, but Sainsbury’s pulled from that discussion, and having had a lengthy discussion myself with them, I fully support their decision.

“Now many deem this as a victory in a long-running, sometimes aggressive campaign against the proposed development, and what upsets me is the main reason.

“I fully supported the plan for up to 21 flats and houses, under the control of a local housing association, with affordable rent only for local people or those with a strong local link to Narberth, young families, with two deemed for disabilities, right in the centre of town, so those local people are the losers. Narberth is about people, not just shops.

“Rents in the private sector are sky-high so this was the perfect opportunity and realistic chance of keeping local people local.”

Clr. Evans continued: “Now much has been said about the site going for community use. This I will not support. It would detrimental to the Queens Hall, Span building and Bloomfield Centre. Those community-based trusts are solely reliant on grant funding. I have seen business plans with five year projections for other projects within the county, totally unrealistic, with grants only being awarded up to two years in advance. A good example is a 40 per cent cut in arts council grants over the last two years, with several major projects in Wales having to close its doors.

“I wake up and think things out long term, yes some extra parking is needed in town, but let’s also put people first, not cars.”

And Clr. Evans added:“I would remind everyone of two years ago when another victory was claimed when the Co-op pulled out, then Wales’ major independent retailer moved in and appears to be doing quite nicely thank you.”

Before concluding: “This property, the old school, will be discussed much in County Hall in coming days, with a number of significant meetings taking place and new opportunity for this site and I promise some fresh thinking and and outcome by the first week in August if not sooner.”