News
West wales train chaos: Passengers left in the dark

WEST WALES has always been known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. But for the regular train commuters and enthusiasts of this region, the current state of train services is nothing short of a nightmare.
Recent changes to the train schedules, primarily on the Carmarthen to Milford Haven line, have brought to light severe operational issues. Commuters have found themselves having to swap trains unexpectedly at Swansea and Cardiff. Just last week, a 197 train, the latest addition to the fleet, was not given clearance to travel up to Carmarthen, causing further inconvenience to travelers.
One commuter noted an instance where the train from Milford arrived in Cardiff just two minutes before the Manchester train’s departure. But according to the rules of the journey planner, a two-minute gap isn’t recognised as a valid connection, necessitating at least a seven-minute buffer. This resulted in an hour-long wait for the next Manchester train.
While the introduction of the 197s is understood to be in stages, as they get delivered, lines cleared, and crews trained, the lack of communication from Transport for Wales (TfW) to the public has been strikingly evident. There are growing concerns about why the line clearances are happening in stages and why there was no prior information about the decrease in service levels, leading to longer travel durations and lesser quality trains. There’s also the perplexing question of why the trains aren’t connecting efficiently, as per the journey planner’s standards.
The new trains, which have only been cleared up to Carmarthen, have been a letdown for many. “The new trains are a bit subpar,” commented a traveler who took a recent trip to Cardiff. The Milford and Fishguard services are now operating only as a shuttle until these trains receive the green light to operate in the farther west regions, which is anticipated to be in December.
Furthermore, the sudden withdrawal of the Class 175s without a proper replacement has also been a bone of contention. Questions have arisen about why these trains, which were rented, aren’t being replaced temporarily with long-distance 158s, which offer greater comfort and higher speed.
The situation has taken a toll on many, including those with invisible disabilities. A recent incident highlighted a lady from Milford facing significant anxiety challenges due to the ongoing disruptions. The on-ground staff, while doing their best to assist, appeared equally clueless about the abrupt changes.
Transport for Wales’s current approach, which seems to be “take it or leave it”, has not been received well by the local community. While the region hopes for a brighter future with improved train services, the current “temporary inconvenience” needs to be addressed with urgency and better communication.
When contacted by The Herald, a local and train enthusiast, suggested that reaching out to TfW might provide more insights. “At present, TfW seems to be annoying the locals with their silence. With a bit of intelligence, they could sell a very interesting promotional story of temporary inconvenience for a brighter future. So why don’t they?”
It remains to be seen how TfW will address these growing concerns, but one thing is clear – the passengers of West Wales deserve better.
Transport for Wales have been asked to comment
Community
Milford Haven Town Council seeks nominations for 2025 Citizens’ Awards

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put forward their local heroes for recognition in this year’s Citizens’ Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Milford Haven a better place—voluntarily and without any form of payment.
Nominations are now open, and members of the public are encouraged to take a moment to think about those who deserve a special thank you. Whether it’s someone who supports vulnerable neighbours, leads a youth group, organises community events, or simply goes out of their way to help others, the Town Council wants to hear about them.
A spokesperson for the council said: “These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the unsung heroes of our town—the people whose efforts too often go unnoticed. If you know someone who gives their time freely to benefit the local community, we urge you to nominate them.”
Nominations must be submitted by 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
To obtain a nomination form:
- Email: admin@milfordhaven-tc.gov.wales
- Contact the Town Council via its Facebook page
- Telephone: 01646 692505 to request a postal form
Please note: Awards can only be granted to those working in a voluntary capacity, and previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination.
For inspiration, you can view highlights from last year’s ceremony via Milford Haven Town Council’s Facebook page:
facebook.com/milfordhaventowncouncil/posts/pfbid02f7WhKXhjtDxEqV68ujznDvFX89yhBYe8dQgXtqqY19Yb7bC7SeNYW6Ua42E4Ehevl
The council encourages everyone to get involved and help shine a light on the incredible community spirit that defines Milford Haven.
Entertainment
The authentic sound of The Rolling Stones… with the world’s premier Jagger lookalike

CAPTURING the authentic sound and spirit of The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band In The World, NOT THE ROLLING STONES have played festivals, theatres and private gigs throughout Europe, the middle east and the UK. This May, they will appear here on the Torch Stage in Pembrokeshire!
Featuring the best Mick Jagger lookalike you will ever see, truly international tribute act in demand all over Europe as well as the UK, will take you back to the Golden Age of The Stones- from Satisfaction to Sympathy for the Devil… You won’t believe it’s not Jagger!
Based on the Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and active for over six decades, they were one of the most popular, influential, and enduring bands of the rock era and pioneered the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock, and Not The Rolling Stones carry on that legacy today.
They have the unique asset of a ‘Mick and Keith’ who stagger audiences with their authenticity, also attested by the many TV and film credits they have between them.
Backed by a superb group of professional musicians that love the music they are playing; they convey their enthusiasm for the work of the world’s greatest rock and roll band.
Not the Rolling Stones will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 16 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Business
Wales leads Britain in export growth for financial and professional services

Financial exports soar by 63.5% to £4.3bn
WALES has outpaced every other part of Great Britain in export growth for financial and related professional services, according to a new report by TheCityUK.
The report, Exporting from across Britain: Financial and related professional services 2025, reveals that exports from Wales surged by 63.5% in 2022, reaching £4.3bn—significantly ahead of the national average.
Across Great Britain, total financial and related professional services exports rose by 18.4% to £158bn, with nearly half (47%) generated outside London. Wales contributed 2.9% of the UK’s total financial services exports and 2% of the related professional services total.
The report provides a breakdown of 2022 data by region and nation, highlighting the growing contribution of areas outside London in strengthening the UK’s role as a global financial centre.
In terms of export destinations, 27% of Wales’s financial services exports went to the European Union, with the remaining 73% reaching markets across the rest of the world.
Tom Bray, TheCityUK Chair for Wales and Senior Office Partner (Cardiff) at Eversheds Sutherland, said: “It’s great to see such strong growth in Wales for financial and related professional services exports. Our skill and ability to provide high-quality financial and professional services plays an important role in driving growth in Wales, creating jobs and opportunities for communities across the nation.”
Anjalika Bardalai, Chief Economist and Head of Research at TheCityUK, added: “In 2022, Wales had an extremely strong year of export growth, albeit from a lower base than most regions. Nearly half of all UK exports in financial and related services now come from outside London, reinforcing the UK’s strength as an international financial hub and the importance of regional contributions.”
Policy recommendations
TheCityUK report also outlines a series of recommendations for industry, government, and regulators to support export growth in Wales and beyond. These fall under three key areas:
1. Improving access to trade opportunities
- Better coordination between UK government, devolved administrations, and investment bodies.
- Align local growth strategies with national trade goals.
- Launch a pilot national brokerage scheme to connect capital with investable projects.
2. Expanding global market access
- Finalise FTAs with Switzerland and India, ensuring better market access and digital trade provisions.
- Use talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council to promote regulatory cooperation.
- Strengthen regulatory dialogues with major markets like the US, EU, Japan, and Singapore.
- Replicate successful models like the UK-Switzerland MRA with other global financial centres.
- Encourage domestic and international investment into UK scale-up businesses.
3. Positioning the UK for future demand
- Make the UK a global hub for data, tech, and innovation.
- Establish the UK as the gateway for international investment.
- Focus development work on high-potential markets to maximise value.
The report underlines that Wales’s performance demonstrates the growing importance of the UK’s nations and regions in maintaining the country’s competitive edge on the global stage.
-
Health7 days ago
Senedd backs ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ ban amid obesity crisis
-
Charity6 days ago
Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station
-
Sport6 days ago
Kildunne hat-trick rips Wales apart in record-breaking Six Nations clash
-
Community6 days ago
Tenby comes alive with eccentricity as Steampunk Festival returns in style
-
Business7 days ago
The White Hart Inn, St Dogmaels, set to make changes
-
Politics7 days ago
Welsh ministers ’embarrassed’ over Crown Estate devolution
-
Politics7 days ago
Pembrokeshire 28-day camping rule could be changed in May
-
Community7 days ago
NRW criticised over ‘very little empathy’ on future of visitor centres