FIFTEEN new jobs have been created with the opening of a Subway sandwich franchise in Milford Haven on Wednesday (June 18).

Based in the Spar store in Charles Street, the new fast food restaurant has created five full-time and ten part-time positions, bringing the store’s total to 52 positions.

Spar owner Chris Ward said setting up the restaurant had been a ‘massive investment’ for the firm, but believes it will bring benefits to several local shops.

“We hope it will bring more young people into the town centre,” he said.

Chris was responsible for bringing Subway to Haverfordwest a decade ago, and believes he can repeat his previous success in Milford Haven.

“The people of Milford Haven are the same as those all over Pembrokeshire – they want quality food at prices they can afford.

“The demand is here,” he said.

But despite the store now featuring big ‘chain’ names such as Costa Coffee, Post Office and Subway, Chris said the store’s ‘local touch’ was still key.

“We’re still and independent business,” he said.

“While people are saying the high street is dying, towns still need a sense of community.

“Sometimes we’re the only contact people – especially older people - have with the outside world.

“We know if one of our regular customers hasn’t come in for a few days.”

Chris said he had been overwhelmed by his customers’ patience and support during the two-week re-fit, and praised Spar staff for putting up with the disruption.

The restaurant will be open every day until 9pm.