News

Welsh Government addresses safety concerns following train collision

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2024

SAFETY remains the priority after a train collision in Powys this week, the Welsh Government has said.

Speaking in the Senedd, Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “In terms of the safety of the rail network, this is our prime concern: that the network is as safe as it can be.

“These incidents are exceptionally rare. Rail travel is still incredibly safe compared with other means of travel.

“At this moment in time, though, I would encourage the travelling public to plan ahead if they intend to use this particular route and to use the bus services instead whilst this investigation takes place on the ground.”

With the A470 trunk road temporarily closed to facilitate investigations, local diversions have been set up to manage traffic.

Joyce Watson MS highlighted the impact of the closure, saying: “Many people will be affected, whether that’s schoolchildren trying to go to school or people trying to go to hospital.

“Those people will be very anxious to know which routes to take. So, I’m asking whether that information is available in what is a very rural area.”

Cefin Campbell MS echoed the concerns, noting the upcoming challenges: “At the end of this month, the highway, the A470, is going to be closed for around ten weeks near Talerddig, which is very close to the site of the accident, and advice was given to travellers and to parents of pupils to use the train either to go to school or to get to whatever destination they were seeking to arrive at.”

Mr. Skates responded to these concerns, explaining that Rail Accident Investigation Branch officials are currently examining the site. “It is an extensive area that they are covering at the moment, which is why we believe that it could be several days before services resume,” he said. He added that the government hopes to minimize disruption and resume services in time to prevent further impact on local plans.

The Minister concluded: “We will endeavour to ensure that the lessons that need to be learned from this incident are learned as soon as possible. But we are in the hands of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and I just want to impress the point once again: we do wish to ensure that they are given the space and the time to be able to carry out a thorough investigation.”

Investigators are examining several factors that may have contributed to the incident, including possible leaf contamination on the tracks, signaling system issues, and braking effectiveness. A comprehensive report is expected in the coming months, offering further insights into the causes and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.