News
Road re-opened following successful bridge replacement
PEMBROKE ROAD in Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, has re-opened and train services between Whitland and Milford Haven have resumed as normal, following the successful replacement of Pembroke Road railway bridge this weekend.
Over the weekend, Network Rail teams worked around the clock to demolish and remove the existing railway bridge deck – which carries the South Wales Main Line. Engineers then installed a new, steel structure which includes a concrete collision beam to provide extra resilience, as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to improve the reliability of the railway.
Rhys Howells, scheme project manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “We would like to thank residents and rail passengers for bearing with us whilst we replaced Pembroke Road railway bridge.
“The previous bridge deck was nearing the end of its serviceable life, and has now been replaced with a more resilient structure which will help to keep the railway in West Wales running reliably.”
Next month the second part of this £4.25m upgrade project will see engineers replace Milford Road railway bridge.
The A4076 at Milford Road railway bridge on Dredgeman Hill will be closed from 7pm on Friday 15 until 6am on Monday 18 February and a fully signposted diversion route will be in operation.
Residents and local businesses wishing to find out more about the work to Milford Road railway bridge are invited to attend a ‘drop-in’ event on Thursday 31 January from 3pm to 6pm at the Merlins Bridge Welfare Hall, Pembroke Road, SA61 1JW. No appointment is necessary and representatives from Network Rail’s project team will be on hand to provide information and answer any questions.
You can also find out more information about this essential upgrade project here: www.networkrail.co.uk/Merlins-Bridge.
News
Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire
A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.
Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.
The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.
The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.
On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.
Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.
Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.
Health
Ambulance delays and blocked beds putting Welsh patients at risk, watchdog warns
AMBULANCE handover delays, long waits in emergency departments and delays discharging patients from hospital are continuing to put people at risk across Wales, Audit Wales has warned.
The public spending watchdog said urgent and emergency care remains under “constant pressure” despite extra funding and new policies aimed at improving joined-up working between the NHS, ambulance service, councils and social care providers.
In an article published today, Monday (Jun 22), Audit Wales said its work since 2024 had examined how health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust manage demand for urgent and emergency care, as well as how health boards and local authorities support timely discharge from hospital.
It found that pressures across the system are increasing patient safety risks and driving up costs.
Key problems identified include ambulance handover delays, lengthy waits in emergency departments, underused new services despite extra funding, and delayed hospital discharges which continue to result in hundreds of thousands of lost bed days each year.
Audit Wales also said workforce problems across health and social care remain a major factor in delayed discharges.
The watchdog warned that data is still not being shared effectively across the system, making it harder for public bodies to make informed decisions and manage pressure.
The findings will add to growing concern about the state of urgent and emergency care in Wales, with patients, families and frontline staff repeatedly warning that delays in A&E and problems arranging social care packages are leaving people waiting too long for treatment or stuck in hospital after they are medically fit to leave.
Audit Wales said staff and leaders across the system had made clear that “something must change”.
It has set out six questions for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local authorities to consider as they look at how urgent and emergency care can be improved.
The Auditor General for Wales is the independent statutory external auditor of the devolved Welsh public sector and is responsible for auditing most public money spent in Wales.
The Herald has asked the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board for comment.
Entertainment
Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod
HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.
Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.
She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.
Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.
Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.
Caption:
Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.
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