THE shelves at Woolworths are almost bare, with just five days to go until the shop closes for the last time.

Seventy percent off signs line the aisles at the Holton Road store while the last of the stock is sold, though many of the shelves have already been removed in preparation for closure.

Barry staff member Rebecca Morris, who has worked for Woolworths for 16 years, said: "I can't talk for long about it without welling up.

"It is so sad, but on behalf of the managers and the staff I would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty over the years and for their kind words in recent weeks.

"Everything is up for sale now - lockers, canteen chairs, fixtures. There will be about 50 of us looking for work now."

Joint Administrator, Neville Kahn, said:"Whilst negotiations for the sale of Woolworths' retail arm remain ongoing, and we continue to speak to new interested parties, regrettably we have had to begin a store closure programme. "We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult time."

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has spoken of his concerns at the closure of Woolworths in Wales.

“There are many hundreds of staff affected in Wales, and my thoughts are with them and their families who face an uncertain future at this time,” he said.

“My officials, along with Team Wales partners in Jobcentre plus and Careers Wales, are ready to help any individuals affected find fresh employment or training opportunities."

Signs reminding customers of the closure line the windows at Holton Road, under banners that read 'everything must go'.

Shopper Beth Camber said: "It is really sad –- my kids come to town for the toys and the pick and mix, – and it's handy for the DVDs and CDs.

"If the banks are being bailed out, why can't some of our main high street shops be bailed out as well?

"This street will feel empty without Woolies because it is such a big shop."

Woolworths is scheduled to close on Monday, January 6 - but it is not the only town centre store to fall prey to the economic conditions.

On Saturday, January 10, Card Warehouse will be closing; and children's clothes retailer Adams, which has a branch on Holton road, has gone into administration.

Card Warehouse manager, Sarah Howell, said: "The way things are going Barry will be a ghost town with a lot of people looking for work."