News
Gateway station facelift finally secured
PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has welcomed plans announced this week that will see a much needed improvement in the Welsh rail network to the benefit of local rail users.
As part of the investment, Welsh Transport Minister, Edwina Hart AM, announced that Port Talbot Parkway will receive over £11.3m of funding to carry out essential redevelopment. In addition to improved station access, customers will enjoy a modernised ticket office and car park expansion. Stephen has been contacted by key local business people in the county about the condition of station facilities, following feedback from investors about their experience of travelling to Pembrokeshire.
Commenting on the investment, Stephen said:
“I was extremely pleased to see the Welsh Government taking the long overdue action to improve part of Wales’ rail network. Port Talbot is an important gateway station to West Wales, which is used by business investors and tourists – who are often required to complete their journey from Port Talbot to Pembrokeshire by car, taxi or bus.
He added: “We are a forward-looking country and we want potential investors to be confident about doing business in Wales. Gateway stations such as Port Talbot are currently poor adverts for inward investment in Wales. Today’s announcement will mean these railway stations will finally get the facelift they need.”
This news is especially welcome at a time when rail operators have finally decided to get to grips with the problem of human waste being dumped from train carriages onto railway lines across Wales.
Stephen has also made representations to Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail about hygiene levels at train stations across West Wales. He pressed David Higgins, Chief Executive of Network Rail for more action to tackle this problem. Following these representations, Network Rail has now taken the decision to include more intensive cleaning methods as part of their cleaning regime.
Stephen added: “This issue has been raised with me by a number of constituents. In 2013, it is unacceptable for passengers standing at platforms to see detritus being dumped along the track. This does nothing for instilling a positive impression of Wales as a modern, welcoming place to visit and do business.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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