Community

Long-abandoned railway site in Whitland to become new car park

Published

10 months ago

February 20, 2025

A LONG-FORGOTTEN stretch of disused railway sidings in Whitland is being repurposed into a much-needed town centre car park.

Work is already in progress to transform the site, located next to Whitland station, with completion expected by the end of March. The project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Network Rail, will provide 25 new parking spaces for both rail passengers and town centre visitors.

Whitland and Henllanfallteg county councillor Sue Allen welcomed the initiative, describing it as “fantastic news for the town.”

“Improving parking is crucial to supporting businesses and making the town centre more accessible,” she said. “I’m very grateful to Network Rail and the county council for their commitment to this project.”

The site’s railway sidings, last used over six decades ago, have been relocated to the Gwili Railway project in Carmarthen to preserve Whitland’s railway heritage.

As part of the development, a new footpath will be built connecting the car park to the area behind Whitland Rugby Club. Future funding may allow for further improvements, linking multiple parking areas to ease congestion in the town.

Funding for the project has come from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting local infrastructure improvements.

Cllr Allen acknowledged that some disruption is inevitable but reassured residents that the work would be completed before the summer.

“This has been a priority for residents and businesses since consultations took place in 2020 and 2021,” she said. “I know people will welcome the improvements once they see the benefits.”

All construction is being carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council staff, ensuring local oversight and investment in the town’s future.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

17 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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)