Community

Shrubbery clearance sparks speculation over new station for Milford Haven

Published

2 years ago

March 20, 2024

RECENT activities around the Milford Haven station have fuelled speculation regarding the potential development of a new railway station and a revamp of transport links in the area. Over the past few weeks, extensive clearance work has been carried out behind the station’s car park, unveiling old tracks that once led to the Mine depot at Blackbridge. This operation, believed to be conducted by Network Rail, has removed dense shrubbery to expose the historical railway infrastructure, suggesting preparations for significant changes.

The work has prompted discussions among locals and transport enthusiasts about the intentions behind these actions. Some wonder if this is merely a routine clearance or if it indicates plans to rejuvenate the Milford Haven transport interchange project, a topic of interest that has resurfaced periodically over the years.

In a related development, the latest edition of ‘RAIL magazine’ (Issue 1005) features an article by Howard Johnston that sheds light on potential plans for the area.

It mentions that consideration is being given to relocating Milford Haven station east of its current location to accommodate a new bus interchange. This ambitious project, if approved, is slated for execution next year and aligns with previous plans endorsed by the Pembrokeshire Regional Transport Authority (PRTA) and the county council dating back to the mid-1990s.

***Milford Haven railway station in the late 1970’s***

***Milford Haven station around 100 years ago***

These plans involve shifting the railway to follow the old Blackbridge lines, with a new platform facing east, behind the current car park. Proposed facilities include a booking office, a tourist information centre, a bus stand, and dedicated parking for rail travellers, all accessible from the Tesco roundabout. Despite the enthusiasm for these developments, a lack of funding has previously stalled progress, with the scheme failing to materialise alongside the Pembroke Dock interchange development.

Further complicating the situation is the limited funding available from the Welsh Government for transport interchange projects, which pales in comparison to allocations for other local initiatives, such as the Haverfordwest Town centre car park rebuilding plan.

***Stephen Crabb MP (R) with Welsh Conservatives at the railway station in 2019***

Key figures such as Darren Thomas or Toni Macey from the County Council, or Ben George from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales metro project, may be instrumental in driving these developments forward. However, the specific timeline and decision-making processes remain unclear.

This potential transformation comes amidst calls for an upgrade to the station spearheaded by Preseli MP Stephen Crabb since 2019.

Advocating for improvements to reflect the town’s economic significance, Crabb’s efforts, along with the Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association, have aimed to enhance the station’s facilities and address service issues, aligning with broader ambitions for the region’s transport future.

As Milford Haven stands on the cusp of significant transport upgrades, the community awaits further details on these plans, hoping for enhancements that will better serve locals and visitors alike.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)