Whitbread’s chief executive has declined a request from Llanelli’s MP and two local councillors to meet over the future of the threatened Sandpiper restaurant.
In a joint statement, Hengoed ward county councillors Martyn Palfreman and Ed Skinner, together with Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith, said they were disappointed that their request to meet Whitbread chief executive Dominic Paul had been turned down.
The Sandpiper Brewers Fayre at Sandy Water Park is one of nearly 200 restaurants Whitbread has earmarked for possible closure as part of a UK-wide shake-up of its estate.
Dame Nia said the representatives had noted Mr Paul’s acknowledgment of the strength of local feeling since the announcement.
“We note Mr Paul’s acknowledgment of the widespread local concern following the recent announcement of the potential closure of Whitbread’s restaurants across the country, including The Sandpiper,” she said.
She said the three representatives had asked to be kept informed as the company’s plans developed.
“Councillors Palfreman and Skinner and I have asked to be kept informed of developments over the coming months, and to be given details of the nature and timing of this once it has been decided,” she added.
Dame Nia said they would keep pressing the company to think again.
“In the meantime we will continue to make the case for retaining this much treasured facility,” she said.
She said the interests of staff and customers had to be central to any decision. “[We will] ensure that the interests of staff and those who value the Sandpiper are taken fully into account when considering its future,” she added.
The Sandpiper is one of four restaurants across the Swansea Bay area facing the axe under the plans, alongside the Swansea Vale Brewers Fayre in Llansamlet, the Waterfront Beefeater in SA1 and the Bagle Brook Beefeater in Baglan.
The Sandpiper is not the only local site to have drawn political pressure. Stephen Kinnock MP has written to Mr Paul urging a rethink on the Bagle Brook Beefeater in Baglan, where the company’s plans have also met local opposition.
Whitbread, which also owns Premier Inn, announced in May that it planned to cut up to 3,800 jobs across its UK estate as it converts or closes a swathe of its branded restaurants.
The Llanelli site has become a focal point for opposition, with hundreds of customers backing calls for the company to reconsider after the closure list was confirmed.
Whitbread has not said when a final decision on the Sandpiper will be made, and the representatives said they had asked to be given details of the timing once it is known.
A final decision on which sites will close, convert to Premier Inn rooms or be sold is expected to emerge over the coming months.
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