PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking £10.3 million grant funding from Welsh Government for a range of important transport improvement and active travel projects.

The projects will benefit local communities all over the county, said Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader.

Cllr Miller added: “By approving the need for these bids to be submitted we are demonstrating our commitment to improving communities for all residents, across Pembrokeshire.”

Among the Local Transport Fund grants bids being made are Public Transport Interchange Improvements at Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.

A detailed scheme update on the Milford haven scheme was provided to the Cabinet last month. Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

This project is a key enabler for improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

It also supports the work being done with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town.

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The Pembroke Dock Interchange scheme is for a new public transport and active link from Pembroke Dock Retail Park, and subject to grant award, work would concentrate on design of connectivity into the interchange from London Road, and the installation of Traffic Signals.

The Active Travel Fund is an opportunity to seek funding for the completion of schemes in Saundersfoot, at Stammers Road and Francis Road.

The Resilient Roads Fund bid will cover a bid for the Newgale Coastal Adaptation and A487 Diversion. An update was provided to Cabinet meeting on 9th September.

There has been extensive engagement and consultation on this scheme, and the solution recommended is based on significant data and evidence which is contained in the project website library. There remains some discussion over the scheme proposal from some members of the community, and the Council is committed to listing to all views, and explaining its stance on adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change at this location.

Preparation of a Planning Application, including the statutory Pre-Application Consultation, is due later this financial year, which will again allow open and transparent scrutiny of proposals.

The Council’s proposals are about adaptation to tackle the scale of the problem of climate change.

Meanwhile, the county’s provision of electric charging points is seeking a boost with an application for grant to further expand the network and related infrastructure.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services added: “These bids, if approved, will bring to improvements to travel for all aspects of transportation in Pembrokeshire. Drivers, commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and others will all benefit.”

THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has issued its latest updates following a rail crash in Wales last month.

On October 21, at approximately 7:26 pm, Transport for Wales passenger train 1J25, en route from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, collided with train 1S71, the Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service, near Talerddig, Powys. The crash, which occurred on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, claimed the life of one passenger and left four others seriously injured. Eleven additional passengers required hospital treatment. Both trains sustained considerable damage, although neither derailed.

Immediate response

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was alerted at 7:45 pm and quickly dispatched inspectors to the site. Working alongside the British Transport Police, Office of Rail and Road, and involved railway companies, RAIB secured evidence to support an independent safety investigation. Network Rail was cleared to begin site repairs on October 23, and the trains were removed by October 25.

Preliminary findings

The collision involved two 2-car class 158 diesel multiple units equipped with wheel slide protection and automatic sanding systems, designed to improve traction. Both units operate on the Cambrian line, which uses the European Rail Traffic Management System to transmit signalling data directly to trains, eliminating the need for traditional lineside signals.

Initial analysis indicates that train 1J25, headed west, was supposed to stop in a passing loop near Talerddig to allow the eastbound train 1S71 to pass. Data from the on-train recorder shows that 1J25’s driver applied the brakes upon approaching the loop. However, emergency braking was initiated shortly afterward due to persistent wheel slide, which continued until the collision occurred. The westbound train passed through the loop but was unable to stop before rejoining the single track, eventually colliding with train 1S71 about 900 meters beyond the loop.

Key areas of investigation

The RAIB’s ongoing investigation will examine several factors, including:

• The events leading to the collision and the actions of involved personnel
• Levels of wheel/rail adhesion on the approach to Talerddig and at the collision site
• The functionality of train 1J25’s braking, wheel slide protection, and sanding systems
• The response and policies of Transport for Wales and Network Rail regarding low wheel/rail adhesion on the Cambrian line
• Measures taken to manage overrun risks and any relevant underlying issues

RAIB will release further updates as its investigation progresses.

HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.

Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.