PASSENGERS in Wales and the West of England are seeing fewer train cancellations and slightly better punctuality following action by the rail regulator.

The Office of Rail and Road has formally closed enforcement action against Network Rail after monitoring a long-term performance improvement plan for its Wales and Western region.

The plan followed an investigation in 2024, which found that Network Rail’s infrastructure and working practices were contributing to poor train performance across the region.

Since August 2024, Network Rail says cancellations have fallen by more than a fifth, while the proportion of trains arriving within three minutes of their scheduled time has improved from 77.6% to 79.4%.

The improvements followed work on track, overhead line equipment, axle counters and points in the Thames Valley area, as well as flood resilience work at Chipping Sodbury.

Network Rail has also introduced welfare officers at key Thames Valley stations to help prevent trespass and has made changes to train control, timetable planning, incident learning and the management of stranded trains.

Graham Richards, Director of Planning and Performance at the Office of Rail and Road, said: “Following concerted efforts from Network Rail, and continued engagement by our teams at ORR, I am pleased to see that passengers in Wales and Western are experiencing better, more reliable train services.

“Nevertheless, we know that for many passengers train performance is not what they would expect – so we are continuing to work with train operators and Network Rail across the country on how to further improve performance.”

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Managing Director for Wales and Western Region, said: “Customers are seeing a more reliable railway, reflecting the extensive improvements we’ve delivered over the last two years.

“We know delays and cancellations still impact journeys, so while this progress is a positive step, we continue to work closely with our industry partners to deliver an ever more reliable railway for our customers.”

HUNDREDS of local families are expected to flock to Withybush Showground this July as a huge free inflatable fun day promises bouncy castles, food, music and entertainment for children of all ages.

Organised by Pure West Radio in association with Haverfordwest Town Council, the “Free Family Inflatable Fun Day” will take place on Sunday, July 19, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

The event will feature a wide range of inflatables, an under-fives play park, street food vendors, music and family entertainment throughout the day.

Organisers say the event is expected to be one of the biggest family attractions of the summer, but spaces for children will be limited.

Tickets released this week

Tickets will be released on Thursday, June 11 at 7:00pm and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Only 600 child spaces will be available, with families being encouraged to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

While entry to the event is free, organisers say a compulsory £1 donation per ticket will go towards supporting Milford Youth Matters, Pure West Radio’s Charity of the Year.

Supporting local young people

Milford Youth Matters provides support, activities and opportunities for young people in Pembrokeshire, and organisers hope the event will help raise both awareness and funds for the charity.

A spokesperson for Pure West Radio said the event aims to offer a fun, affordable day out for local families during the summer holidays, bringing the community together for a day of entertainment.

Families interested in attending are being urged to keep an eye on Pure West Radio’s social media channels for ticket release details.

Photo caption: Summer fun: Families are being invited to a free inflatable fun day at Withybush Showground this July (Pic: Pure West Radio).

TRACTORS will go head to head in Martletwy this summer as Martletwy YFC stages its popular tractor pulling and dyno weekend.

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, with gates opening at 10:30am at Martletwy, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8AJ.

Farm tractors will race up a hill climb while pulling loaded trailers, with highly modified machines also taking on the bank.

There will also be a dyno on site to test the power of the machines, along with tractor pulling sledges for demonstration pulls. Three sledges will be available, covering everything from garden tractors and vintage tractors to purpose-built pulling tractors.

The South Pembrokeshire Ploughing Association will also hold its annual ploughing match in conjunction with the weekend.

Organisers say there will be plenty for all the family, including trade stands, a funfair, food, refreshments and a bar.

On Saturday evening the pulling will continue, with live bands, DJs, a bar and tug-of-war competitions.

Camping is available on site, making it possible for visitors to enjoy the full weekend.

Advance booking for tractors is preferred.

For more information, call 07824 633256 or 07787 988263.