Local politicians for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz MS and Simon Hart MP, have expressed their joint concern over the future of St Clears’ railway station.
The project, which has been coined the ‘gateway to Pembrokeshire’, has already received upwards of £5 million in UK Government funding to assist with a range of different upgrades and improvements to the site.
However, politicians and local residents alike have expressed their concern that the Welsh Government risks reneging on its promise to support the development of the dis-used site, should improvements not begin soon.
This concern follows the failure of the Welsh Government’s Transport Minister to give reassurances over the progression of St Clears’ train station during an exchange with Samuel Kurtz MS in the Welsh Parliament.
Speaking about his concern, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“There is real concern that the Welsh Government are beginning to get cold feet over the future of this project.
“There’s no urgency and if the Minister takes nearly 4 months to reply to a letter on this matter, it shows that it’s not a priority for this Cardiff-based government.
“Local residents want to see improved access to public transport by utilising a newly renovated station at St Clears, yet all the Welsh Government have delivered so far is an unnecessary delay and confusion.
“The UK Government, Network Rail and Transport for Wales are fully committed to this project, so the buck stops with Welsh Government as to why no progress is being made.
Following concern from the local community, Simon Hart MP added:
“Two-and-a-half years ago the UK Government announced it was awarding £4.75 million from the New Stations Fund for a stop at St Clears.
“This week, I have confirmed with the current Transport Secretary that this money is still on the table.
“It’s very disappointing that so little action has been taken to forward improvements to the station site. I’m gravely concerned that the Welsh Government is dragging its feet on this vital project.”
Both politicians finished by saying that “urgent clarity is needed sooner, not later. That’s why we will continue to press the Welsh Government on this matter.”
