HOPES of finding a new tenant to take over Capel Hendre’s troubled Dewhirst warehouse appeared to be fading after the county council announced plans to offer retraining to the 114 staff members facing redundancy.

Last week, Plaid Cymru urged Carmarthenshire county council and the Welsh Government to join forces in a bid to promote the multimillion pound purpose-built clothing storage facility to potential new owners.

While the local authority has promised to do everything in its power to secure a buyer before closure – expected in October, the latest announcement does little to ease fears that the hunt will be in vain.

An authority spokesman said the council was “actively planning ways to help the 114-strong workforce”.

At a meeting of full council, director of regeneration Dave Gilbert said: “There are two ways in which we need to tackle this. First we need to look at how we can find alternative employment for those affected.

“We will be talking to each of them to discuss their skills and needs, and do our utmost to look after those people who have worked so hard.

“We have been in touch with the Jobcentre and careers company, also Un Sir Gar will play a pivotal role in helping those looking for new employment or retraining.

“Second, there is an asset of a fairly modern building which has the potential to expand.

“We want to help find an alternative use for it,.”

Mr Gilbert confirmed that the authority was already “engaging with the Welsh Government” to promote the building.