A controversial town centre retail and residential development in the centre of Narberth has been dealt a major blow.

As we were going to press yesterday (Thursday), it was announced the supermarket chain due to open a store at the former primary school site had pulled out.

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s, the firm due to lease a unit in the overall development, being run by a private developer, said: “We are disappointed to announce that we are unable to open a new store in Narberth.

“Unfortunately the developer has not carried out the building work as expected and following a review, we have decided not to progress with the scheme.”

The news was met with anger by immediate past chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council and Narberth member, Clr. Wynne Evans.

“This is extremely frustrating and disappointing,” he told the Observer.

“Five years ago, the developer started negotiations and nothing has been done on the site whatsoever,” he continued. “It is in a constant state of disrepair.”

And he added: “We are now back to square one and I for one am extremely annoyed as I campaigned vigorously to get a good store with a good design that was in keeping with the townscape.”