Narberth's controversial Brains Brewery site has been sold.

This Spring Gardens site was the location earmarked for a Co-op store in the town and was the subject of a bitter dispute over various planning issues.

However, the company withdrew interest in mid-May of this year and the site owners put the entire site on the open market.

Said County Councillor Wynne Evans: "The site has now been purchased by another food retailer who intends to downscale from the large store status of the previous applicant to a smaller size type of supermarket. They intend to open early in 2013.

"As the specifications for the new design will not be subject to lenghty planning applications, as a retail usage already exists on the site, I will be taking no part in the planning process, but will seek local jobs, and car parking for two-hour shoppers which should greatly reduce car parking in the main streets."

Ane he added: "I can also confirm I have been in active discussions with another group for the old school site and they will formally make a expression of interest to the site owners, the county council, in 2013."