News

New ‘Carew Castle Express’ set to enliven west Wales’ railways

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2023

IN AN EXCITING development for Welsh rail travel, Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced the introduction of the ‘Carew Castle Express/Castell Caeriw Cyflym’, a new train service between Swansea and Carmarthen. This latest addition to TfW’s fleet is named after one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks, Carew Castle, blending historical reverence with modern transportation.

The name ‘Carew Castle Express’ emerged victorious in TfW’s ‘Magnificent Train Journey’ competition, and was creatively chosen by a pupil from Johnstown Primary School in Carmarthen. This initiative not only celebrates Welsh heritage but also encourages community involvement in TfW’s endeavors.

The official unveiling of the train is scheduled for Thursday, 16 November at Carmarthen Railway Station. The event, starting at 1:30 pm, promises to be a significant occasion, with the local community and school children from Johnstown Primary School in attendance. They will witness the new name adorning one of TfW’s state-of-the-art Class 197 trains.

These new Class 197 trains represent a significant improvement in regional rail travel, offering increased capacity and enhanced onboard comfort. The introduction of these trains on the Swansea to Carmarthen route is part of a larger TfW project to extend services to Milford Haven and Fishguard Harbour, aiming for completion later this year.

Notable attendees at the naming ceremony will include representatives from the Welsh Government, TfW executives including Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer, and Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operating Officer, alongside local rail user groups. This event symbolizes a step forward in TfW’s commitment to improving the rail travel experience in Wales, connecting communities, and celebrating the rich Welsh heritage.

The ‘Carew Castle Express’ is designed to be more than just a new train service; TfW is hoping that it will be a testament to the evolving landscape of public transport in Wales, where modernity meets tradition.

Crime

Attempted burglary at the Welsh Bakery, Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating an attempted burglary at the flat above the Welsh Bakery on Robert Street, Milford Haven. The incident is believed to have occurred between 4:30pm on Saturday, January 18, and 8:45am on Monday, January 20, 2025.

It is understood that force was used in an attempt to gain access to the upstairs flat.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact PC 865 Andy Baxter at Haverfordwest police station. You can reach out via:

Online: Dyfed-Powys Police Contact Form

Email: [email protected]

Direct message on social media

Phone: 101

Please quote reference number 50 of January 20.

Crime

Lung condition cited as defence in Haverfordwest drink-drive case

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A LUNG condition has landed a Hakin man in the dock after he refused to give a breath test when suspected of driving through Haverfordwest town centre while over the drink-drive limit.

Frank Morrissey was stopped by officers on December 12 and asked to provide a roadside breath test. He refused.

This week Morrissey, 58, of Glebelands, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court, where he denied failing to provide the breath test for analysis. His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, claimed his client suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a lung condition resulting in breathing difficulties. As a result, the defendant was unable to provide the breath test.

The case was adjourned to March 20, when Morrissey’s trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court. He was released on unconditional bail.

Crime

New Year’s Day drink-driver crashes into parked car

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A NEW YEAR’S DAY drinking spree has resulted in a lengthy disqualification for Pembroke motorist Pauline Turner, who crashed into a parked Mercedes while over twice the drink-drive limit.

Police were called to St Anne’s Crescent, Pembroke Dock, just before 2:30pm on January 1, following reports that a black Toyota Yaris had collided with a parked Mercedes.

Officers discovered Turner, 61, who admitted being the driver of the Yaris.

“She identified herself to police officers and told them that she’d consumed five or six pints,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest Magistrates Court this week.

After admitting the charge of drink-driving, Turner, of Ashdale Lane, Pembroke, was disqualified from driving for 20 months. She was fined £150 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £60 surcharge.