THE FAMILY of Alex Edwards have paid an emotional tribute after an inquest examined the circumstances surrounding his death in a road traffic collision near Llandrinio.

The hearing was told that Mr Edwards died following a crash on the B4393 on Monday (Sept 16), 2024.

In a statement released following the inquest, his family said Alex had been a “blameless victim” and urged drivers to reflect on the consequences of dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

They said: “Alex didn’t just die; he was killed by a reckless and selfish decision to overtake in impossible conditions. The evidence shows that on that foggy morning, Alex was doing everything right, simply trying to get home to his family.”

Police previously confirmed that a man had been charged in connection with the collision. However, the suspect later died, meaning there were no ongoing criminal proceedings relating to the case.

Despite this, Alex’s family said the circumstances of the crash remained clear.

They said: “While the van driver’s subsequent death means we were denied justice in a criminal court, it does not change the facts. Alex was a blameless victim. We hope that by speaking out, other drivers will realise the lethal power they hold in their hands.”

Describing Alex as a much-loved member of a close family, relatives said his loss had left a permanent void.

“Alex was kind, gentle and funny. One impatient moment has destroyed our tight-knit family of four, leaving us with a lifetime of ‘what ifs’ and a void that can never be filled,” the statement continued.

“Alex’s future has been stolen from him and us. We will never see him get married, and we ache for the grandchildren we will never get to hold. Our grief has no end.”

The family also thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and members of the public who came to Alex’s aid after the crash.

“We especially wish to thank those members of the public who were first at the scene; though there was nothing more that could be done for Alex, we are grateful for the care and dignity they showed him.”

In a final message, the family appealed directly to motorists.

“To every driver: please think of Alex. Don’t let your decisions behind the wheel become another family’s nightmare.”

Alex, they said, will be “loved and missed forever by all his family and friends.”

Photo:

Alex Edwards: Family say he was “kind, gentle and funny” (Pic: Family handout).

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.”

Structural concerns at privately owned property prompt extended traffic restriction

CRACKWELL STREET in Tenby is expected to remain closed to vehicles for approximately another eight weeks while work continues at a privately owned property overlooking the harbour.

Scaffolding has been erected along the building, with the closure originally introduced to allow the structure to be inspected and repaired safely.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that the road closure was first communicated prior to a formal public notice being issued on Tuesday (Dec 3).

The council said the restriction applies only to vehicles, with pedestrian access continuing along the narrow harbour-side street.

In a statement to The Herald, a council spokesperson said the property is privately owned and that the authority is not directly involved in the structural works taking place.

The spokesperson said: “The property is privately owned and therefore questions relating to the structural issues and the work being undertaken should be addressed to the owner.”

However, council officers remain in contact with the owner while the road closure remains in place.

The council added that the restriction on vehicular access was extended from Sunday (Feb 23) for a further period of approximately eight weeks.

No formal safety notice or structural assessment has been issued by the council in relation to the building, and the authority said it is not aware of any impact on neighbouring properties.

Officials also confirmed that pedestrian access along Crackwell Street remains open despite the traffic restriction.

A council spokesperson added: “Council officers are in dialogue with the property owner as works continue relating to ongoing road closure requirements.

“The property owner and engineers are working to remove the scaffold at the earliest opportunity and allow the road to be re-opened to vehicles.”

Crackwell Street, which links Tenby’s harbour area with the town centre, is one of the town’s most distinctive streets, lined with colourful buildings overlooking the harbour below.

The closure has temporarily restricted vehicle access along the route while engineers continue work on the property.

Photos: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby