PEMBROKE DOCK County Councillor Jamie Street has shared an update on two empty and dilapidated properties in the town centre: the former Woolworths and Betfred.

Regarding the former Woolworths store (13-15 Dimond Street), which traded for 70 years before its closure in December 2008 and has remained empty after a few subsequent years as Kitchenmonger, he had the following to say:

“I’ve been in touch with the owners, who have been receptive and told me they have an insurance claim in progress. Once that’s resolved, they hope to begin renovating the premises.

“They’re now also in contact with Pembrokeshire County Council, and I have asked them to be supportive in giving access to any support the owners may need to progress property repairs and get the property to a let-able standard as soon as possible.”

The premises opposite traded for over a decade as Betfred. It was the Co-op Homemaker store in the late 20th century and up to 2005, then Smallwood’s until its closure in 2008. About 12-14 Dimond Street, Mr Street had this to say:

“I’ve identified the owners and passed the details to Pembrokeshire County Council. I understand there may also be an insurance claim in progress for this building, but that’s yet to be confirmed.”

He continued: “It’s disappointing that both buildings have been allowed to deteriorate for so long. I’ve asked in the council chamber why the Council hasn’t done more to respond to the condition of properties like these, and what it will do to identify and tackle problems earlier.

“The council have been neither reactive nor proactive in taking action on properties such as these. When prominent buildings on Dimond Street are left in this condition, it affects the whole high street, including the neighbouring businesses that work hard to bring people into town.”