RURAL TRANSPORT CONCERNS RAISED WITH TFW

CLAIRE ARCHIBALD MS has secured a review of train times between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest after raising concerns about rural transport links with Transport for Wales.

The Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro met senior TfW representatives to discuss public transport across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, including the impact poor services can have on workers, families, patients and rural communities.

Ms Archibald said public transport must be treated as a key part of any discussion about rural healthcare, employment and access to services.

During the meeting, she raised wider concerns about healthcare access across west Wales. She said she does not support rural communities losing local health services, but warned that any proposal requiring patients, relatives or carers to travel further must properly consider whether public transport is available and practical.

People travelling between Aberystwyth and south west Wales can currently face journeys of around three hours each way by bus, making it difficult for families visiting loved ones in hospital or attending important appointments.

Ms Archibald said: “Rural communities cannot be treated as an afterthought. If services are moved further away, then the question has to be asked: how are patients, families and carers actually meant to get there?

“I do not support the loss of local health services in rural Wales. But where any proposals could mean people travelling further, public transport must be part of the decision from the very beginning. It is not good enough to centralise services and then leave families facing impossible journeys.

“For many people in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, a three-hour bus journey each way is simply not realistic. These are not abstract policy issues. They affect people trying to visit relatives in hospital, get to work, reach appointments and live their daily lives.”

Ms Archibald also raised concerns about the Milford Haven to Haverfordwest train service, where the current timetable is not suitable for many working people.

The morning train arrives in Haverfordwest too late for those who need to be at work by 9:00am, while return options around the end of the working day are also impractical for many commuters.

Reform UK councillor Scott Thorley had previously raised the issue with Transport for Wales, highlighting the number of people travelling into Haverfordwest for work and the pressure this places on already busy roads.

Following the meeting, TfW agreed to review the Milford Haven to Haverfordwest timetable, with a view to making the service more practical for workers and helping to reduce congestion in Haverfordwest.

Ms Archibald added: “This is exactly the kind of practical issue that matters to people locally. A train service is only useful if the timetable works for real life.

“People in Milford Haven and the surrounding area should be able to use the train to get to work in Haverfordwest. If the timing means they still have to drive, then the service is not doing what it needs to do.

“I am pleased Transport for Wales has agreed to review the timetable, and I will be following this closely. Rural transport needs to work for working people, not just look acceptable on paper.”

Transport for Wales also confirmed that the new Class 197 fleet for the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Cambrian Line is scheduled for September or October.

Ms Archibald said she would continue working with TfW to push for better transport links across Ceredigion Penfro.

She said: “Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion need transport links that reflect the reality of rural life. Whether it is getting to work, reaching hospital, visiting family or accessing essential services, people need reliable and practical options.

“I will continue to raise these issues and work with Transport for Wales to ensure Ceredigion Penfro has suitable transport.”

REPORT MAKES 13 RECOMMENDATIONS

A REVIEW into crime and anti-social behaviour services for young adults has called for stronger prevention work, better promotion of support services, and clearer evidence of what works.

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s Select Committee examined intervention, prevention and engagement services for young adults aged 18 to 25.

The review gathered evidence from young people, partner agencies, an open call for evidence, internal scrutiny work, and a hearing attended by police and local authority representatives.

As a result, the committee has made 13 recommendations, which have now been shared with relevant partners.

They include calls for services to place greater emphasis on social and emotional skills and healthy relationships, and for Dyfed-Powys Police to consider producing a Strategic Profile of crime and anti-social behaviour committed by 18 to 25-year-olds.

The committee also recommends that partner organisations do more to promote intervention, prevention and engagement services for young adults, so that professionals and communities know what help is available.

Other recommendations include sharing evaluation findings between local authority areas, updating police data dashboards to include age-group information, and demonstrating the impact of police prevention work to young adults.

The report also calls for scrutiny of problem-orientated policing plans to assess the effectiveness of mental health services, and for police to seek assurance that Outcome 22 is being used effectively.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “My Select Committee has been able to give an important area a spotlight through our work and to present hopefully impactful recommendations to partners.

“We have listened to young adults’ voices throughout this process, which has been key in developing the recommendations around services which may directly affect them and their peers.

“One of my Youth Ambassadors sat on the Select Committee, and his perspective, alongside that of all other members, was invaluable.

“Thank you to all who have been involved in this review. Diolch yn fawr.”

The full report is available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

NEW PROVISION WILL SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN HAVERFORDWEST

EARLY years education in Haverfordwest has received a boost after Bishop Dorrien officially opened a new Flying Start setting at St Mark’s Church in Wales VC School.

The Bishop of St Davids cut the ribbon at the school in Merlins Bridge last week to formally launch the Little Lions Flying Start provision, which will support younger children and families in the area.

The new setting will provide funded early years childcare for eligible children from the age of two, with youngsters benefiting from dedicated facilities and support from trained staff.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government-funded programme aimed at giving children the best possible start in life through childcare, health visiting, parenting support and speech and language development. Eligible children can receive up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare a week during term time.

Little Lions is based at St Mark’s VA School in Haverfordwest and welcomes children from the age of two. The setting is part of Pembrokeshire’s wider Flying Start programme, which has expanded in recent years to support more families across the county.

During the visit, Bishop Dorrien praised the work being carried out at the school and the commitment shown by staff and families.

The Diocese of St Davids said the Bishop greatly appreciated the leadership of Mrs Gillespie, while recognising the dedication of staff, parents, carers and governors in helping children to thrive.

A spokesperson said the school had “a real school family” atmosphere, adding that Bishop Dorrien keeps all schools in the diocese in his prayers and asks for God’s blessing on pupils, staff and families.

Cover image:

Official opening: Bishop Dorrien cuts the ribbon to launch the Little Lions Flying Start setting at St Mark’s School in Haverfordwest.