#parctrostre — Public Fediverse posts

LLANELLI: Woman charged with robbery and shoplifting after string of incidents at Asda, Home Bargains and Tesco Extra

A 41-year-old woman from Llanelli has been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of shoplifting following a series of incidents at supermarkets across the town, Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed.

Kara Racuoco, of Llanelli, was charged following reports of offences at Asda on Murray Street, Home Bargains on Station Road and Tesco Extra at Parc Trostre between April and May.

The first incident was reported on Tuesday 7 April at Asda on Murray Street, where two bottles of wine were said to have been taken. A shop assistant was reported to have been threatened during the incident, leading to a robbery charge.

The second offence was reported on Tuesday 5 May at Home Bargains on Station Road, where a bottle of wine was said to have been taken without any attempt to pay. This incident led to a shoplifting charge.

Two further offences were reported on 16 and 17 May. On Saturday 16 May, two joints of beef were reported stolen from Asda on Murray Street, with threatening behaviour again reported during the incident — resulting in a second robbery charge.

The following day, Sunday 17 May, a further shoplifting offence was reported at Tesco Extra at Parc Trostre, where around £95 worth of meat was said to have been taken from the store.

Racuoco denied all four charges when she appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 May. She was remanded into custody following the hearing.

A pre-trial plea hearing has been listed at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 19 June.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed enquiries into all four offences are continuing.

#ASDA #DyfedPowysPolice #HomeBargains #Llanelli #MurrayStreet #ParcTrostre #StationRoad #TescoExtra #TrostreRetailPark

LLANELLI: Retail giant JD Sports to unveil new mega-store at Parc Trostre this weekend

The move sees the “King of Trainers” relocate from its existing unit to a sprawling new space, promising an “enhanced shopping experience” for local customers.

Opening its doors on Saturday, March 21st, the new store boasts an additional 3,156 sq. ft, giving shoppers even more room to explore the latest trends.

JD Sports, a leading name in sports, fashion, and lifestyle brands, will continue to offer popular labels including Nike, Adidas, Montirex, and New Balance.

The new mega-store will feature a sprawling layout with the latest sports and lifestyle brands. (Image: JD Sports)

The grand opening weekend, running from Saturday, March 21st, to Sunday, March 22nd, will feature exclusive launch activities and the chance to win top prizes.

JD STATUS members can try their luck at the “Roundel Locker game,” selecting a key from a duffle bag to unlock one of six lockboxes containing JD-branded products or gift vouchers.

The arrival of the bigger and better JD Sports store comes amidst a period of significant change and activity at Parc Trostre and the wider Llanelli retail landscape.

Shoppers can look forward to an extensive selection of the latest footwear from top global brands. (Image: JD Sports)

Just last month, the retail park saw a “fried chicken frenzy” as Popeyes landed in Llanelli, drawing 14-hour queues of eager customers.

However, the area has also faced challenges, with police being granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks earlier this year.

Concerns have also been raised about parking, with new cameras potentially fining Llanelli shoppers £100 for parking too long at other retail sites.

Despite these issues, Parc Trostre continues to attract major retailers, with Mountain Warehouse opening a new Llanelli store recently, and B&M reporting a hit with shoppers on its opening weekend.

This expansion by JD Sports signals continued confidence in Parc Trostre as a key retail destination, further highlighting the shift in shopping habits towards out-of-town retail parks, while Llanelli town centre continues to face significant challenges.

#Business #Carmarthenshire #JDSports #Llanelli #NewStore #ParcTrostre #retail #shopping

Police granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks

A dispersal order has been authorised for Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton, giving officers the ability to remove anyone causing — or likely to cause — harassment, alarm or distress. The order came into force at 12pm today (17 January) and will remain in place until 12am on Monday 19 January.

Crackdown follows rise in trouble around shops and fast‑food outlets

The move follows a rise in reports of groups causing trouble around major stores and fast‑food outlets, including Tesco, Morrisons and McDonald’s. Police say the behaviour has escalated in recent days, prompting the need for tougher measures to protect shoppers and staff.

Under the order, officers can instruct people to leave the area immediately and can seize any property suspected of being used to cause antisocial behaviour. Anyone who refuses to comply risks arrest.

Police: ‘We will not tolerate this behaviour’

A Dyfed‑Powys Police spokesperson said:

“We have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour around the Trostre and Pemberton retail parks over the past week.

“The dispersal order gives officers additional powers to deal swiftly with anyone causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

“We will not tolerate behaviour that impacts businesses, staff or members of the public.”

Shoppers say behaviour has become ‘shocking’

Regular visitors to the retail parks say the situation has been deteriorating for weeks.

Mandy Tucker said the behaviour around McDonald’s had become “beyond” acceptable, adding that the abuse aimed at security staff was “totally unacceptable”.

Rita Coughlin, who was shopping with her two children, described being struck by toilet paper thrown by a group of boys inside Tesco.

“It was quite a shock and if it wasn’t me they hit it could’ve been worse,” she said. “What these youngsters do nowadays near Tesco and McDonald’s is shocking.”

Nadine Cole Jenkins, who uses a wheelchair, said the atmosphere had become frightening.

“It’s very scary for myself and my children who support me. It’s not nice — very upsetting.”

Others reported disruption inside shops.

Sian Peel said staff in B&M were being left to deal with “shocking” behaviour.

“They hang around by the entrance on their bikes and the language is shocking. They are in and out of the store causing disruption.”

Louise Richards said staff at McDonald’s looked “deflated” after dealing with large groups causing trouble.

“The parents of those kids should be utterly ashamed.”

Jo Jo added that many parents would be “shocked” if they saw how their children were behaving.

Order covers key shopping hotspots

The dispersal zone includes:

• Parc Trostre Retail Park
• Tesco, Trostre
• McDonald’s, Llanelli
• Parc Pemberton
• Morrisons, Llanelli
• Premier Inn, Llandafen Road

Police are urging anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it via the force website, by emailing 101@dyfed‑powys.police.uk or calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police dispersal order to target Dyfatty antisocial behaviour
Officers issue extra powers in Swansea after rising reports of disorder in the Dyfatty area.

Llanelli town centre to see summer crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour
Police and council teams launch joint action to tackle trouble in the town centre.

Councillors call for Llanelli drugs and alcohol unit to move to Trostre
Local representatives say relocating the service could ease pressure on the town centre.

New cameras could fine Llanelli shoppers £100 for parking too long
ANPR enforcement proposed for busy retail parks to curb overstays and congestion.

#antisocialBehaviour #dispersalNotice #DyfedPowysPolice #Llanelli #McDonalds #MorrisonsLlanelli #ParcPemberton #ParcTrostre #PremierInn #TescoLlanelliExtra

Llanelli retail staff report high levels of abuse as campaign calls for stronger protections

Retail staff in Llanelli say they continue to face unacceptable levels of verbal abuse, threats and physical assault while doing their jobs — prompting renewed calls for public respect and tougher enforcement.

The Freedom from Fear campaign, led by trade union Usdaw, was marked at Tesco Trostre with a visit from Dame Nia Griffith MP, alongside Lee Waters MS, Cllr Dot Jones and other local representatives. The event aimed to raise awareness of the abuse faced by shop workers and encourage the public to “keep your cool” in the run-up to Christmas.

Survey shows 71% of retail staff verbally abused

Interim results from Usdaw’s 2025 survey — based on responses from over 3,000 retail workers — show that:

• 71% have experienced verbal abuse in the past year
• 48% were threatened by a customer
• 9% were assaulted

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the figures show a “slight downturn” compared to previous years, but warned that the scale of abuse remains “shocking”.

“Nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers,” she said. “Far too many are experiencing threats and violence. Our members are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”

Local voices call for change

Dame Nia Griffith MP said retail workers “deserve to be treated with respect” and backed Usdaw’s call for stronger legal protections.

“We’re introducing a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker,” she said. “That gives shop staff the protection they need and sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.”

She also pointed to Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, which removes the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifting and introduces new powers to ban repeat offenders.

Campaigners urge public to ‘respect shop workers’

Usdaw activists say incidents tend to rise in December as shops get busier and customer frustration grows. The union is encouraging staff to report abuse and reject the idea that it’s “part of the job”.

The Freedom from Fear campaign continues throughout the year, with workplace and community events planned across South Wales.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Festive donations worth over £4,500 brighten Christmas for Neath Port Talbot community groups
Local organisations receive support to deliver seasonal projects across the borough.

Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Families and shoppers can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this month.

Christmas pop-up shops return to Carmarthenshire high streets
Local businesses showcase festive gifts in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford throughout December.

#Christmas #CllrDotJones #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #ParcTrostre #retail #retailWorkers #TescoLlanelliExtra #TradeUnion #Usdaw

Llanelli Pizza Hut confirmed among closures as franchisee enters administration

Pizza Hut has confirmed that its Llanelli branch will close after the franchisee operating its UK dine‑in restaurants entered administration, putting more than 1,200 jobs at risk across the country.

Llanelli closure confirmed

The Parc Trostre site is one of 68 restaurants named for closure following the collapse of DC London Pie Limited, the company which ran Pizza Hut’s UK dine‑in operations under franchise. Eleven delivery outlets will also shut.

The news follows Swansea Bay News’ earlier report highlighting uncertainty over the future of South West Wales branches after administrators were appointed on Monday.

National picture

In total, 1,210 staff will be made redundant, while 64 restaurants and around 1,277 jobs have been saved after global brand owner Yum! Brands stepped in with a pre‑pack administration deal.

Administrators FTI Consulting said the business had been hit by “challenging trading conditions and increased costs”, with cashflow pressures linked to tax obligations.

Pizza Hut UK statement

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK stressed that the administration affects only one franchisee, not the wider UK business:

“Pizza Hut UK announces the acquisition of the Pizza Hut dine‑in operations through a pre‑packaged administration, after FTI was announced today as administrators of DC London Pie Limited, a franchisee of Pizza Hut. We are pleased to secure the continuation of 64 sites to safeguard our guest experience and protect the associated jobs. Approximately 1,277 team member roles will be saved under UK TUPE legislation, including above‑restaurant leaders and support teams.”

Nicolas Burquier, Managing Director International Operating Markets, added:

“This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible. Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition.”

Wider context

The Sun reported that DC London Pie had only taken over Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants in January, after the collapse of previous owner Heart with Smart Limited. The company was recently served with a winding‑up petition by HMRC over unpaid tax.

At its peak, Pizza Hut operated more than 260 restaurants in the UK. The brand has faced repeated financial challenges in recent years, including a Company Voluntary Arrangement during the pandemic which saw 29 sites close.

Gift card warning

Consumer experts have warned that Pizza Hut gift cards may be affected by the closures, as they are valid only in dine‑in restaurants. Customers are advised to use them quickly or contact the company to see if they can be transferred to delivery.

Hospitality sector pressures

The closures come amid wider turbulence in the UK casual dining sector. Chains including Byron Burger, Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo and Chiquito have all shut sites in recent years.

By contrast, US fast‑food brands are expanding rapidly. Popeyes, which drew 18‑hour queues when it opened in Swansea earlier this month, plans to open 45 new UK restaurants this year. Carl’s Jr also launched its first Welsh restaurant on Wind Street in September as part of its UK expansion.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

South West Wales Pizza Hut branches face uncertainty as chain enters administration
Our earlier report on the administration of Pizza Hut’s UK franchisee, which raised questions over the future of local branches.

18‑hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
Huge crowds lined Oxford Street as US chicken chain Popeyes launched its first Swansea restaurant earlier this month.

Carl’s Jr to open first Swansea restaurant as part of UK expansion
American burger giant Carl’s Jr confirmed its first Welsh site on Wind Street, which opened in September 2025.

#administration #Business #DCLondonPieLimited #FTIConsulting #Llanelli #ParcTrostre #PizzaHut #PizzaRestaurant #restaurant #restaurantClosure #YumBrands

South West Wales Pizza Hut branches face uncertainty as chain enters administration

The company confirmed that 68 restaurants will close after its franchisee DC London Pie Limited went into administration. A rescue deal by parent company Yum! Brands has secured 64 sites and saved around 1,277 jobs, but the future of the remaining branches is unclear.

Locally, Pizza Hut operates dine‑in restaurants at Llanelli’s Trostre retail park, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend, as well as a takeaway‑only site in Swansea. The chain has not yet confirmed which of these will be affected.

Pizza Hut’s stand‑alone restaurant at Parc Trostre, Llanelli, pictured from the retail park car park.
(Image: Google Maps)

The closures put more than 740 jobs nationwide at risk. Administrators FTI Consulting said their priority was to support staff and maintain continuity at the restaurants included in the rescue deal.

The move comes less than a year after the same franchisee bought the UK dine‑in business out of insolvency.

Related stories

Nando’s eyes new restaurant at Parc Fforestfach
Plans submitted to Swansea Council could see a new Nando’s open at Parc Fforestfach Retail Park, creating around 40 jobs.

18‑hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
Hundreds queued overnight on Oxford Street for the launch of Popeyes’ first Swansea branch, complete with Mardi Gras‑style celebrations.

Carl’s Jr to open first Swansea restaurant
US burger chain Carl’s Jr has confirmed Swansea as the location for its first UK restaurant as part of a wider expansion.

Wynne Evans launches Welsh restaurant in Carmarthen
The broadcaster and singer has opened a new restaurant in Carmarthen following his departure from BBC Radio Wales.

#administration #Bridgend #DCLondonPieLimited #franchise #franchisee #Llanelli #Neath #ParcTrostre #Pizza #PizzaHut #PizzaRestaurant #PizzaTakeaway #PortTalbot #restaurant #YumBrands