News

Simon Hart MP ‘delighted’ at boost to re-open St Clears station

Published

5 years ago

August 30, 2019

THE CAMPAIGN to reopen St Clears railway station has taken a step closer to reality. It has been chosen by the Department of Transport as one of four station reopening bids out of 12 to go through to the next level.

Simon Hart MP has been working with the town council in its bid to get the station reopened.

“I am delighted to hear that the St Clears bid was considered strong enough,” said Mr Hart.

“It was chosen because it’s in the village and because there is a gap in the rail provision in this area.”

The campaign to reopen the station has been running for decades. It was closed in 1964 and there has been a sustained effort to reopen it since the 1970s.

Mr Hart wrote to the Welsh Secretary of State Alun Cairns earlier this summer to lobby for the station to be considered for reopening. It had made it on to a shortlist of 12 in the country for consideration but then everything went ominously quiet.

“I wrote to the Secretary of State to try to chivvy things along, there was a fear that the whole issue was being swept under the carpet.

“The feasibility study was carried out in 2015 but after making it through to Stage 2 it seemed to get stuck in limbo. Mr Cairns pledged to make sure that the Department for Transport, which is considering the bids, did consider the St Clears bid.

“I am delighted that seven weeks after I wrote, this news has come through.”

Mr Hart is now writing to Transport Minister Grant Shapps to make the case for St Clears.

“It’s full steam ahead for the community and I will continue to do all that I can to try to make this a reality,” he added.

The station first opened on 2 January 1854. It was on the section of the South Wales Railway which opened that day between the temporary station near Carmarthen and Haverfordwest, and was situated between Sarnau and Whitland.

The station closed on 15 June 1964.

An attempt to reopen the station in 1973 was made by five local authorities and organisations, together with the Department of the Environment, which jointly agreed to fund construction of a new station at a total cost of £5,400 (equivalent to £24,900 in 2018).

The new station would consist of concrete platforms adjoining both tracks and timber waiting shelters provided with electric lighting It had been hoped that works would be swiftly completed so that the first trains could call at St Clears by the end of Summer 1973, but this did not materialise.

There is a local campaign for the reopening of the station, supported by Angela Burns AM and William Powell AM.

Locals started a Facebook campaign to reopen the station in 2010 and drew in thousands of supporters. The St Clears Times ran a community poll from 2010 and 95% of people who voted were in favour of opening the station.[citation needed] There have been recent proposals to reopen the station as part of the Welsh Governments Rail infrastructure investment.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

17 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.

You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.

You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).