News

Council release bus survey results

Published

8 years ago

March 7, 2017

EIGHT out of ten bus users surveyed say they are ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with the reliability and punctuality of Pembrokeshire’s bus services, according to a recent consultation.

And while 64% of respondents are either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with the county’s bus services overall, 23% are ‘very dissatisfied’ or ‘fairly dissatisfied’.

The survey was carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council last autumn in order to identify how it was performing in relation to bus services and to obtain suggestions on how those services could be improved.

A total of 436 questionnaires were completed and returned.

The two areas that scored lowest were the frequency of bus services and the provision of information about transport services and timetables, with which 66 per cent of respondents were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Major Events, Councillor Rob Lewis, said that while the feedback from the consultation was relatively positive, it was important to acknowledge that an emerging theme from a recent Well-being Assessment was the need for better public transport accessible to all.

“It should also be remembered that over the past five years local bus services had been operating against a background of funding reductions” he added.

A wide range of feedback and suggestions were received regarding what would help to improve bus services in Pembrokeshire.

The most common requests were: bus services on Sundays and evenings; more frequent buses and more bus shelters.

Councillor Lewis went on: “We understand these concerns but also have to recognise the limitations on available funding. The Council’s transport section is working hard to try and maintain current services and provision, despite on-going budget reductions.

He said the Authority had met with operators in order to identify which suggestions were feasible.

“As a result” he continued, “a total of 14 routes will be changed with the new timetables starting from the 1st April. Details of these changes can be found on the Council’s website.”

Both the County Timetable and the Coastal Bus Timetable booklets will be printed this year and will be available in April once the new timetables are in place.

In addition, the Welsh Government’s Bus Quality Standards are being implemented on all bus services in Wales from April 1.

They require operators to meet certain criteria, including a requirement for all drivers to wear a uniform, and information regarding the operator’s complaints procedure clearly displayed on the vehicle.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.