Buses to replace trains for one week as engineers carry out track work and Tenby station accessibility improvements

PASSENGERS travelling on the railway between Whitland and Pembroke Dock will face temporary disruption later this month while major engineering works are carried out to improve the line and upgrade facilities at Tenby Station.

Network Rail has confirmed that buses will replace trains for one week from Monday, March 16, while essential work takes place across the route.

The railway between Whitland and Pembroke Dock will be closed from 11:00pm on Sunday (March 15) until 5:45am on Saturday (March 21), allowing engineers to safely complete a programme of track renewal and maintenance works.

The upgrades form part of Network Rail’s ongoing investment in the West Wales line, aimed at improving reliability while also delivering accessibility improvements for passengers using Tenby Station.

Track renewal and maintenance

During the closure, engineers will carry out track renewal work between Whitland and Narberth, alongside a range of maintenance tasks across the route.

Planned works include vegetation management, fencing repairs, level crossing maintenance, and inspections of earthworks and other railway infrastructure.

Network Rail says the work is designed to strengthen the long-term reliability and resilience of the railway for the communities and passengers who depend on the line.

Accessibility improvements at Tenby

At the same time, significant accessibility improvements will take place at Tenby Station through the UK Government’s Access for All programme.

The project will eventually deliver a fully accessible footbridge with lifts, making it easier for disabled passengers, those with reduced mobility, parents with pushchairs and travellers carrying luggage to move between platforms.

As part of the work, the existing footbridge will be demolished overnight on Saturday, March 14.

A temporary scaffold footbridge will then be installed the same weekend to ensure passengers can continue to access both platforms.

Further construction activity will take place between March 16 and March 21 while the railway line is closed.

Travel advice for passengers

During the engineering works, replacement buses will operate instead of trains between Whitland and Pembroke Dock.

Passengers are being urged to check their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel.

The latest journey information is available on the National Rail website and through Transport for Wales’ website and mobile app.

Mark Dix, Lead Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “These track upgrades and supporting works are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable railway for passengers across West Wales, while the improvements at Tenby Station will make a real difference for passengers who rely on step-free access.

“We would like to thank passengers, residents and local businesses for their patience while we carry out this important work.”

Tenby stop check revealed cocaine and cannabis in motorist’s blood

ATTEMPTS to take his vehicle for its annual MOT has backfired after the vehicle’s owner was found to be driving with a cocktail of illegal drugs in his system.

Bradley Bostock, 27, was stopped by officers on December 16 as he drove his Ford Fiesta along Heywood Lane, Tenby.

But further investigations by officers confirmed he had 108 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system together with 17 mcg of cocaine and 2.4 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limits are 50, 10 and 2 respectively.

“There’s no detail of the rationale behind why he was stopped, but three drugs were noted in his blood,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan when Bostock appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Bostock pleaded guilty to three charges of drug driving and was represented in court by Jess Hill.

“He was taking his vehicle to Tenby for an MOT that day but was stopped by officers for a stop check,” she said.

“He’s from Yorkshire and often feels isolated here as he has no family and uses drugs to help deal with his loneliness.”

Bostock, of Corston Cottages, Axton Hill, Pembroke was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 90 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 17 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Blood trail led police from damaged shelter to defendant’s home

A FATHER-OF-THREE had admitted carrying out over £500 worth of damage to a bus stop after a drinking binge in Milford town centre.

A blood trail led officers from the bus stop to Hawthorn Way, to the home of Hayden Dimond.

This week Dimond, 31, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he admitted the criminal damage offence.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan informed magistrates that the damage caused to the bus stop totalled £530.60.

“The defendant accepted responsibility in his police interview and pointed them in the direction of the damaged bus stop,” Diamond’s solicitor, Jess Hill, informed the Bench.

“At the time he was highly intoxicated and acted upon impulse.

“He had problems with binge drinking but now rarely consumes alcohol, but whenever he does, it’s monitored so he remains on an acceptable level.”

“What happened that night was not intentional.”

Dimond, Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, was ordered to pay £530 compensation to Pembrokeshire County Council and was fined £40. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £16 surcharge.