News

Surprising results down the line for train statistics

Published

11 years ago

March 14, 2014

MORE THAN 2,000 people a week pass through the station doors in Tenby with 108,878 “entrances and exits” recorded last year.

Simon Hart MP says that the figure proves just how vital the facility is to the town.

“These official figures by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) came as a bit of a surprise, despite a drop of nearly 4,000 users between 2011 to 2013, Tenby is still very well used.”

The figures also showed that Whitland Station is used by 1,000 travellers a week. The station building has stood empty for more than a decade and was slowly rotting away, creating an ugly gateway to the town. Now Network Rail is transforming it into a Regional Maintenance Hub which will see approximately 20 people working from offices in the building. Mr Hart is pictured being given a tour of the refurbishment works last week.

“I am delighted that the years of campaigning done by the traders, councillors and myself has at last paid off and this station is being brought back into use,” said Mr Hart.

“Although the new building won’t be open to the public, it will look smart and it will be great for the town to have extra workers there 24 hours every day using the shops and cafes.

“The next step is to ask Arriva Trains to install a ticket machine to make it easier for people to start their journeys from Whitland.”

The least used station in South Pembrokeshire was Lamphey with just 3,812 entrances and exits followed by Penally with 5,136.

However, Kilgetty also got a special mention by the ORR for being surprisingly well-used. It had 17,624 travellers arriving or departing from it last year and the ORR notes that “it continues its high growth from previous years.”

“Kilgetty station is conveniently located right in the middle of town, unlike say Saundersfoot which had ten thousand fewer visits than Kilgetty last year.

“Overall I think these figures provide a fascinating snapshot of how we use our stations and prove just how vital they are in rural areas.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th 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

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.