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Transport priorities for South West Wales revealed

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IMPROVEMENTS to make buses and trains a more practical alternative to cars have been identified as the top transport priority for South West Wales.

Over 70% of participants in a recent consultation highlighted these improvements as the most important measures to enhance transport across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea.

More than 800 people took part in the consultation, organised by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales, to assess the region’s case for change in transport planning.

Rural options and better connections

The consultation revealed additional priorities, including more transport options for rural areas, better connections between transport services, and improved maintenance of roads, footpaths, and cycleways.

The feedback will help shape a regional transport plan, which could lead to enhanced train services for South West Wales. Plans may also include the introduction of regular local services as part of the South West Wales Metro project, aiming to provide reliable, connected, and affordable bus and rail journeys throughout the region.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chair of the CJC for South West Wales, said: “We know transport improvements are needed across South West Wales for the benefit of our residents and businesses and to help attract more jobs and investment to the area.

“People’s views on what should be prioritised in future are crucially important though, so we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the recent consultation.

“All views received will now help inform a draft regional transport plan that will also be made available for feedback in the early New Year.”

Barriers to public transport

Other key findings from the consultation include:

  • 92% of respondents found trips involving more than one bus or train difficult.
  • 91% agreed that a lack of rail services in some areas is a significant issue.
  • 87% noted that walking and cycling are not always practical for some people.

Cllr Darren Price, Carmarthenshire Council Leader and Chair of the CJC’s transport sub-committee, said: “We need a transport system in South West Wales that meets the needs of modern times while better connecting our communities.

“This is important because transport affects each and every one of us – whether you’re a motorist, a bus or train user, or someone who walks or cycles to get from one place to another.

“Once the draft regional transport plan is available for feedback, we’ll ensure as many people as possible again have an opportunity to have their say.”

A regional approach

The Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales comprises the Leaders of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea councils, along with senior representatives of the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park Authorities.

Sub-committees addressing specific themes, such as transport, feed into the committee’s work.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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