Business

Transport for Wales to review train timetables amidst changing travel patterns

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2023

IN THE WAKE of the Covid pandemic and its far-reaching impacts on travel behavior, Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced a comprehensive review of all train timetables. The move comes after what has been described as “massive” changes to travel patterns, as more people work from home and choose weekend commutes over the traditional weekday rush.

TfW’s chief executive, James Price, addressed MPs and acknowledged that the current timetables are no longer suitable for the evolving demands of commuters. The paradigm shift brought about by the pandemic has seen a decline in the number of passengers using buses and trains, leading to challenges for TfW in maintaining services without compromising their efficiency.

Speaking at the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, Mr. Price played down concerns that the review might result in fewer services. He highlighted the unanticipated poor performance of services between north and south Wales, especially on the Welsh Marches line. However, he emphasized that this particular route remains the only profitable service under TfW’s ownership.

The Committee raised concerns about the subpar services and disruptions faced by passengers due to the ongoing South Wales Metro work. Some constituents even faced disciplinary action from their employers for chronic tardiness to work, a situation that TfW is keen to address.

In response to questions from MPs, Mr. Price affirmed that the Welsh government has been providing additional funding to the bus sector to maintain services in the face of reduced passenger numbers. He assured that an announcement on TfW’s plans for future services would be made shortly.

One of the key questions directed at Mr. Price was regarding the feasibility of hourly services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury by March 2024. He acknowledged that some plans might need to be postponed due to constraints posed by the availability of trains and the capacity of Network Rail, which operates and maintains most of Wales’ track.

Mr. Price justified the timetable review, explaining how the pandemic had dramatically altered travel patterns. The existing timetables, designed years ago with a different work culture in mind, no longer suit the current landscape where working from home and weekend commuting are increasingly prevalent.

“We’ve seen our pinch points completely moved. So we’re reviewing all of that,” he stated.

Despite acknowledging the Welsh Marches line’s recent struggles, Mr. Price expressed optimism that performance would improve. He attributed the issues to the temporary withdrawal of Class 175 trains for safety checks, leading to the use of inferior trains with reduced capacity and slower speeds. He assured the Committee that the return of the Class 175 trains had brought the service closer to acceptable levels, and TfW’s ambition was to achieve excellence in its operations.

The Welsh Marches line, surprisingly, is the only line that currently generates profits for TfW. Mr. Price noted that this financial success allows the organization to cross-subsidize other services and invest in the improvement of less lucrative lines.

While TfW is undertaking a significant upgrade of the Valleys lines network, costs have escalated from over £260 million to a staggering £1 billion. Mr. Price attributed the cost overrun to factors such as inflation, the pandemic’s impact, and unforeseen infrastructure constraints.

Amidst concerns about the disruptions caused by the upgrade, Mr. Price reassured MPs that most of the disruptive work had been completed. He expressed hope that people would soon be able to resume using the Valleys lines without further interruptions.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies MS, said: “The change in timetables being proposed by the TFW CEO are concerning, the service’s record on late trains is dreadful, with only 64% of trains arriving on time on the Wales and Border Lines. I and many users will be concerned that a timetable change will ultimately lead to fewer services being offered.

“The Labour Government has failed to ensure that there is a reliable public transport system in Wales. Considering their plans to punish motorists by grinding the traffic flow to a halt with their looney 20mph speed limit roll out and their banning of new road buildings, they must ensure public transport is a viable alternative.

“Labour themselves appear to be completely out of answers, with customer satisfaction still low, the people of Wales deserve a public transport system that benefits them, not a scaled back service that continues to be late.”

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

18 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

20 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.