News

Over a thousand west Wales trains cancelled in a year

Published

2 years ago

December 31, 2023

MORE than a thousand trains, intended to transport passengers to Swansea and West Wales, have been cancelled within a single year. The distressing data highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Transport for Wales (TfW) since taking over the management of rail services from Arriva in 2018.

Passenger discontent has been a constant theme, with complaints about delays and cancellations echoing across the network. Despite assurances from TfW, the situation seems to be far from improving. Notably, a recent Rail User Survey disclosed that TfW had the lowest customer satisfaction among UK train operators, with a mere 72% of passengers satisfied with the service between March and August this year.

The chief operating officer of TfW, Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, attributed the challenges to a comprehensive railway transformation program, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to passengers during the ongoing modernisation efforts. He commented, “As we modernise and enhance infrastructure and rolling stock, it’s undoubtedly been a painful period for our passengers with many rail replacement bus services in operation.”

*Class 197 locomotives have been rolled out across the network*

One of TfW’s pledges from 2018, promising “95% of rail journeys in Wales and its borders will be on new trains from 2023,” has not materialised. The impact of the pandemic is cited as a significant factor delaying the introduction of new trains. Mr. Chaudhry-Van der Velde reassured the public that new trains are finally arriving and will continue to replace older ones throughout 2024.

However, recent revelations in October have indicated that less than a third of TfW services are currently being operated with new trains. This has prompted criticism from Plaid Cymru’s transport spokeswoman, Delyth Jewell MS, who expressed disappointment in the state of rail travel in Wales. She remarked, “Too much of the rail network in Wales can still be summarised by its old trains, late trains, and huge levels of customer dissatisfaction.”

Particular concern is directed towards services to West Wales, where passengers consistently report issues. A firsthand account of a 60-mile journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen revealed multiple delays and disruptions. Similar experiences are shared by other passengers, with one stating, “Getting there is always a bit pot luck but coming home is a nightmare – every time.”

A Freedom of Information request to TfW regarding the money spent on replacement buses and taxis over a 12-month period was met with refusal, citing excessive compliance costs. However, a separate request unveiled that a staggering 1,054 services to Swansea and further west were cancelled between August 1, 2022, and August 1, 2023.

Delyth Jewell MS expressed concern over the high number of cancellations, noting that, on average, almost three trains were cancelled daily on this route alone. She emphasised the impact on passengers, stating, “People will have been stranded or been left needing to take alternative transport – and that’s particularly worrying at this time of year when it gets dark so much earlier.”

As Wales grapples with the challenges of its rail network, the public’s patience wears thin, raising questions about the efficacy of the ongoing transformation program and the ability of TfW to deliver on its promises.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

13 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.