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Potential travel disruption on Severn Tunnel route between Wales and England

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TRAVELLERS between Wales and England may face further disruptions this weekend due to ongoing repair works on the Severn Tunnel, a critical transport link between the two nations.

The essential maintenance on the Severn Tunnel is scheduled to continue throughout Sunday, 25th August, with engineers expected to remain on site until the work is complete. In light of these repairs, a limited replacement bus service has been arranged, and passengers are advised to consider alternative routes, particularly via Gloucester, where train services continue to operate.

Network Rail has urged all passengers to check their travel plans in advance to avoid inconvenience.

The focus of these repairs is the overhead conductor rail, which is crucial for powering the electric trains that run through the tunnel. Today, limited bus services are operating between Bristol Parkway and the Severn Tunnel Junction, with a full replacement bus service set to run between Bristol Parkway and Newport on Sunday.

This weekend’s disruption follows a similar closure earlier this summer when track repairs were carried out on the South Wales side of the route from 3rd to 18th July.

The ongoing works include compacting the ballast—the stones that support the tracks—inside the tunnel using a specialised tamping machine. This is in addition to the essential maintenance of the overhead conductor rail, ensuring that trains continue to run safely and efficiently.

This project marks the final phase of a larger track upgrade inside the tunnel completed in July. It is a critical step that will secure the new ballast, providing long-term support for the tracks.

Network Rail Wales has expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience during this period of disruption. Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Director, praised the dedication and expertise of the Network Rail teams and their contractors, who have worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to deliver the largest track replacement in the tunnel for many years.

“We are committed to providing low-carbon, reliable rail transport between South Wales and England, and this major track renewal on such a busy route is a significant part of that commitment,” Millington said.

Normal train services are expected to resume along the route on Monday.

 

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Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

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MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

 

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Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

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A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

 

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Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

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A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

 

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