Shoppers are keeping the tills ringing in Haverfordwest.

Town centre manager Gordon Doughty says that business is reflecting nationwide trends, with Christmas trading so far better than satisfactory. This year, the switching on of the Christmas lights and the fireworks display at the Riverside Quay attracted record crowds. Haverfordwest is also enjoying an employment boom, with some retailers having difficulty filling vacancies.

And the siting of County Hall in Haverfordwest has been a real benefit to the economy of the town, said Marley Davies president of the Haverfordwest Chamber of Commerce.

Many shops will be open on the next two Sundays before Christmas as well as opening late on Thursday nights.

Riverside Quay manager Roland Keevill already reports Sunday activity levels higher than previously experienced, with car parks already full on most week days.

Pembrokeshire County Council employees have made way for shoppers by vacating level five at the multi-storey car park from Monday.

q Sunday shoppers in Haverfordwest will be spared multi-storey parking charges in the run-up to Christmas. Pembrokeshire County Council is allowing free parking at the multi-storey on the next two Sundays. It says the suspension of charges is designed to encourage Sunday shopping in Haverfordwest.