PEMBROKSEHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Cabinet has agreed an additional £1.4m of capital funding, alongside grant funding, to support a Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange.

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramaticallyimproving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

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 scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

A PUBLIC toilet in Fishguard town centre is on the market with potential for commercial redevelopment.

Listed by John Francis, the former toilet block is available for £45,000, offering an opportunity to repurpose the building for retail or other uses, pending council approval. Located centrally, the facility has been closed but has attracted interest for its prime location.

The building covers approximately 22 square metres (237 square feet) and would require ecological and infrastructure assessments prior to any modifications. Buyers interested in transforming the site will need to submit a formal planning application.

Further details can be found on the John Francis website.

WAR Veteran Duncan Hilling has been reunited with an ‘old flame’ – who looks not a day older than ‘she’ did 80 years ago!

Duncan, a very active 98-year-old from Saundersfoot, visited the Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset, specifically to see a wartime Universal Carrier, the tracked vehicle he drove in World War II. It is also known as a Bren Gun Carrier.

Thanks to Museum staff, Duncan was able to climb aboard, instantly recalling his days with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Duncan served in India and was among the first British Army contingent as occupying forces in Japan, at the end of the war in August 1945. At that time he visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities destroyed by the first atomic bombs.

Said Duncan: “I felt like I had gone back in time 80 years. I spent two years with the same five carrier drivers. We drove all over India, Japan and Malaya. Sitting in the Bren Gun Carrier, it felt like they were still with me. So many memories.”

Joining Duncan down wartime memory lane were daughters Katrina Pearn and Miranda Davies and son Lyndon, who arranged the visit.