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Shrubbery clearance sparks speculation over new station for Milford Haven

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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

Milford Haven and Neyland Police issue appeal for missing man

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POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a 54-year-old man who has been reported missing from the Milford Haven area.

Neil is described as being around 6ft 2in tall with a shaved head. He has tattoos on his arms and one of his fingers, and sometimes wears glasses.

He was last seen on Friday afternoon (Apr 26) wearing a black Superdry hoodie, ripped jeans, and orange and black Nike Air trainers. Neil is believed to be on foot.

Anyone with information that could help is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police: 🖥️ | Online portal
📧 | [email protected]
📞 | Call 101, quoting reference 262 of April 26.

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Fire service delivers vital kit to Ukraine

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Wales joins UK’s largest firefighting aid convoy

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has taken part in the UK’s largest ever convoy delivering vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, joining 17 other Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) from across the country.

The convoy, coordinated by FIRE AID and supported by the UK Government, left the UK in early April. It travelled through France, Germany and Poland, delivering over 30 fire service vehicles and more than 15,000 items of equipment to support Ukrainian firefighters on the front line of the ongoing war.

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, UK fire services have donated 119 vehicles and over 200,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine. Each participating service ensured local needs were met before donating surplus kit.

Watch Manager Rob Kershaw represented MAWWFRS on the convoy. He said:
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this convoy and to represent both FIRE AID and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
We received invaluable support and assistance from fire and police services across every country we passed through. Their help in coordinating, escorting, and hosting the convoy was outstanding.”

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM added:
“MAWWFRS is proud to support our colleagues in Ukraine by donating and delivering essential equipment.
The events in Ukraine have deeply affected the fire and rescue community, and this convoy is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to helping those still working under extreme conditions.”

The donated equipment will support firefighters in Ukraine who continue to operate in war zones to save lives and protect property—often at great personal risk. Since the conflict began, 100 Ukrainian firefighters have been killed and 431 injured. A total of 411 fire stations and 1,700 firefighting vehicles have been destroyed.

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Trefin to host VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations

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TREFIN and surrounding communities will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full day of commemorative events on Thursday, May 8—culminating in the lighting of a coastal beacon.

The local programme closely mirrors events happening across the UK to honour Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945.

The day will begin at 9:00am in the centre of Trefin with the reading of the VE Day 80 Proclamation, Together We Stand, followed by the raising of a special VE Day 80 flag to unite the nation in remembrance of those who sacrificed so much during the war.

At 12 noon, in Trefin Square, piper LCpl Spencer of Cawdor Barracks will perform Celebratum, a tune specially composed for the occasion.

At 6:30pm, Llanrhian Church bell will ring out in unison with churches and cathedrals across the UK. Simultaneously in Trefin Square, the “Lamp Light of Peace” will be blessed, and a handbell performance by local adults and children will take place. Participants are encouraged to wear wartime-style clothing, with prizes awarded for the best costumes.

Evening celebrations will then move to The Ship Inn, where a fish and chip supper will be served (advance booking and payment required). A display of wartime memorabilia will also be available to view.

At around 8:00pm, the community will proceed from The Ship Inn to Penlac field, overlooking the coast, for the continuation of the festivities. Attendees will be invited to sample the official Women’s Institute VE Day 80 Orange and Ginger Cake. Warm clothing is recommended.

There will be music from the wartime era, and local choir Côr y Felin will lead a singalong of well-known songs from the period. Representatives from each decade since the end of the war will read the VE Day 80 Global Tribute, joining communities across the world. A minute’s silence will be held in memory of those who did not return home, followed by a bugler performing the Last Post and Reveille. The piper will then play Flowers of the Forest.

Just before the lighting of the beacon at 9:30pm, the community will join nearly 1,000 choirs across the UK in singing I Vow to Thee, My Country. The coastal beacon is part of the official chain being lit across the country and worldwide (in respective time zones). The “Lamplight of Peace” will also be lit in solidarity with lanterns around the globe.

Those wishing to continue the celebrations can return to The Ship Inn afterwards.

Organisers are encouraging all attendees to dress in wartime-themed attire throughout the day, with a prize for the best-dressed individual.

The events are being coordinated by the Gwelliant Trefin Improvement Group (GTI) and Llanrhian Connected Community. All are welcome.

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