News

‘Don’t make Carmarthen the final stop’ Stephen Crabb MP tells rail bosses

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

WITH GWR announcing 65 additional direct services between Carmarthen and Paddington, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has called on rail bosses to put Pembrokeshire services back on their route map.

In a meeting held with GWR and Network Rail in Westminster earlier this week (Tuesday 28th), Stephen heard the news that all the additional GWR services will terminate at Carmarthen leaving the link to Milford Haven off the timetable.

Stephen Crabb MP urged them to listen to local concerns about the quality and reliability of rail services to and from Pembrokeshire and has called on GWR to review this decision which currently makes Carmarthen the final stop.

Highlighting that many West Wales services over the past year have not carried on beyond Carmarthen, while other services have been cancelled or delayed, he revealed the growing impact that this was having on Pembrokeshire rail users and the local economy.

Just earlier this month the MP called on the Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething to improve rail services into Pembrokeshire as a vital step in boosting the number of overseas visitors to the County.

Following the meeting in Westminster, Stephen Crabb MP said,

“It is clear that GWR are committed to services to Carmarthen, but I am worried that Pembrokeshire services to West Wales are falling behind. I do not want to see Carmarthen becoming the end of the line for this important direct service. I want to see more services to Milford Haven which will also benefit communities in Whitland, Clarbeston Road, Haverfordwest, and Johnston.”

He added: “I continue to press Transport for Wales, which is Welsh Government responsibility, on the frequent cancellations and delays to services running to Pembrokeshire. The service reliability needs to improve as it’s really having an impact on local rail users.”

Stephen Crabb has been a keen campaigner for improvements to Milford Haven Railway Station and he used the opportunity to highlight the need for a station upgrade which would create a welcoming and modern facility that reflects the vision, growth and regeneration of the town. He continues to work with the community to press Pembrokeshire County Council, the Rail Operators and Welsh Government to secure investment for this much needed station.

Pictured above: Stephen Crabb MP, challenging GWR to maintain vital rail services to Pembrokeshire

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.