Following the sudden news that WRW Construction is going into administration, Pembrokeshire County Council has today (Wednesday, July 14) received confirmation that administrators have been appointed.

The news of WRW going into administration is a blow to the Council’s housing development programme, as WRW Construction are the lead contractor for the development site in Johnston, and had recently won the tender exercise for a further two sites in Milford Haven and Tiers Cross.

Urgent discussions are now ongoing between Council officers and the consultants appointed by the administrator with a view to seeking contractors who would be willing to take over the operation of the housing development sites.

Clr. Michelle Bateman, Cabinet member for Housing said: “It is disappointing to hear this news about a large construction firm which has many active sites across South Wales, and I sympathise with the many local subcontractors who are being placed in financial risk by what is happening.

“We are keen to see work resume on the Johnston site and provide continued work opportunities for those contractors affected.

“We are also considering options for the remaining two sites that WRW were involved in in Pembrokeshire.”Please email: [email protected] with any queries in relation to this statement.In light of the announcement, Carmarthenshire County Council has also taken immediate action to secure two major development sites currently underway in Carmarthenshire - the Pendine attractor project and an affordable homes scheme in Dylan, Llanelli.

Leader of the council, Clr. Emlyn Dole, said: “This is unfortunate news which will no doubt impact on local employees and sub-contractors. WRW Construction has worked with us to develop several major schemes over many years, including schools and homes, and we are sorry to hear of its collapse.

“Our immediate focus has been to secure two major development sites currently underway - the Pendine attractor project and an affordable homes scheme in Dylan, Llanelli.

“We are currently gathering information and providing practical support to assist sub-contractors who are involved in the work at both of these sites.

“As with all major projects, contingency arrangements are in place. As such we are confident that we can resume work to continue the delivery of both of these major projects in the near future, although this will inevitably lead to some delay and extra costs, which will need to assessed. We will provide further updates in due course.”

The council has recently launched a robust Economic Recovery Plan to support local industries in the wake of Covid and Brexit.

It recognises that many businesses across a range of sectors may come into difficulty over the next few years and sets out a range of measures to support them.

Clr. Dole added: “Whilst we understand the circumstances of WRW Construction’s collapse are unrelated to these issues we will nevertheless implement these measures to mitigate the impact of this situation.

“We have already mobilised business support officers from our economic development team to provide advice and information to those affected.

“We will also accelerate a range of employment opportunities within the authority that may provide suitable alternative employment for people with transferrable skills, and will work with our partners to identify and promote other relevant training and job opportunities.

“This is a sad situation for all those involved, but we will do everything we can to support all those affected.”