Shrubbery clearance sparks new station speculation
RECENT activities around the Milford Haven station have fuelled speculation regarding the potential development of a new railway station and a revamp of transport links in the area. Over the past few weeks, extensive clearance work has been carried out behind the station’s car park, unveiling old tracks that once led to the Mine depot at Blackbridge. This operation, believed to be conducted by Network Rail, has removed dense shrubbery to expose the historical railway infrastructure, suggest ing preparations for significant changes.
The work has prompted discussions among locals and transport enthusiasts about the intentions behind these actions. Some wonder if this is merely a routine clearance or if it indicates plans to rejuvenate the Milford Haven transport interchange project, a topic of interest that has resurfaced periodically over the years.
In a related development, the latest edition of ‘RAIL magazine’ (Issue 1005) features an article by Howard Johnston that sheds light on potential plans for the area.
It mentions that consideration is being given to relocating Milford Haven station east of its current location to accommodate a new bus interchange. This ambitious project, if approved, is slated for execution next year and aligns with previous plans endorsed by the Pembrokeshire Regional Transport Authority (PRTA) and the county council dating back to the mid-1990s.
These plans involve shifting the railway to follow the old Blackbridge lines, with a new platform facing east, behind the current car park. Proposed facilities include a booking office, a tourist information centre, a bus stand, and dedicated parking for rail travellers, all accessible from the Tesco roundabout. Despite the enthusiasm for these developments, a lack of funding has previously stalled progress, with the scheme failing to materialise alongside the Pembroke Dock interchange development.
Further complicating the situation is the limited funding available from the Welsh Government for transport interchange projects, which pales in comparison to allocations for other local initiatives, such as the Haverfordwest Town centre car park rebuilding plan.
Stephen Crabb MP (R) with Welsh Conservatives at the railway station in 2019
Key figures such as Darren Thomas or Toni Macey from the County Council, or Ben George from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales metro project, may be instrumental in driving these developments forward. However, the specific timeline and decision-making processes remain unclear.
This potential transformation comes amidst calls for an upgrade to the station spearheaded by Preseli MP Stephen Crabb since 2019.
Advocating for improvements to reflect the town’s economic significance, Crabb’s efforts, along with the Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association, have aimed to enhance the station’s facilities and address service issues, aligning with broader ambitions for the region’s transport future.
As Milford Haven stands on the cusp of significant transport upgrades, the community awaits further details on these plans, hoping for enhancements that will better serve locals and visitors alike.