News

Gateway station facelift finally secured

Published

12 years ago

December 19, 2013

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has welcomed plans announced this week that will see a much needed improvement in the Welsh rail network to the benefit of local rail users.

As part of the investment, Welsh Transport Minister, Edwina Hart AM, announced that Port Talbot Parkway will receive over £11.3m of funding to carry out essential redevelopment. In addition to improved station access, customers will enjoy a modernised ticket office and car park expansion. Stephen has been contacted by key local business people in the county about the condition of station facilities, following feedback from investors about their experience of travelling to Pembrokeshire.

Commenting on the investment, Stephen said:

“I was extremely pleased to see the Welsh Government taking the long overdue action to improve part of Wales’ rail network. Port Talbot is an important gateway station to West Wales, which is used by business investors and tourists – who are often required to complete their journey from Port Talbot to Pembrokeshire by car, taxi or bus.

He added: “We are a forward-looking country and we want potential investors to be confident about doing business in Wales. Gateway stations such as Port Talbot are currently poor adverts for inward investment in Wales. Today’s announcement will mean these railway stations will finally get the facelift they need.”

This news is especially welcome at a time when rail operators have finally decided to get to grips with the problem of human waste being dumped from train carriages onto railway lines across Wales.

Stephen has also made representations to Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail about hygiene levels at train stations across West Wales. He pressed David Higgins, Chief Executive of Network Rail for more action to tackle this problem. Following these representations, Network Rail has now taken the decision to include more intensive cleaning methods as part of their cleaning regime.

Stephen added: “This issue has been raised with me by a number of constituents. In 2013, it is unacceptable for passengers standing at platforms to see detritus being dumped along the track. This does nothing for instilling a positive impression of Wales as a modern, welcoming place to visit and do business.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

4 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

4 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.