Preseli Pembrokeshire’s AM has highlighted in the Senedd the need for “vast improvement” in rail services in the west of Wales.
Paul Davies won a ballot to hold a debate of his choice at the Welsh Assembly and chose to talk about the need for a better train service to and from Pembrokeshire.
“People in the area are forced to use transport services that are not particularly accessible or convenient to get them to where they want to go,” he told AMs.
“In such difficult economic times, it is vital that people can easily access transport to get to work. Areas of Pembrokeshire are not only limited by their rurality, but classified as areas of deprivation.”
He emphasised that rail improvements are especially vital because the Welsh Assembly Government won’t dual the A40.
Mr Davies said he would continue to lobby for five trains a day to Fishguard and he praised the hard work of two Pembrokeshire teenagers who collected a 1,300 signature petition calling for better services.
Petitioners Sam Faulkner and Joanne Griffiths from Moylegrove were in the public viewing area to listen to the debate.
“For young people like Sam and Joanne, it is difficult to travel to meet with friends and get around the area without being dependent on their parents or others who can drive them,” Mr Davies told the Chamber.
“They both have concerns about how this will impact on their opportunities to access employment after completing full-time education.”
Mr Davies also highlighted concerns about the lack of trains to Pembroke Dock, the state of Tenby station and the condition of old rolling stock.
South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns also spoke in the debate and argued for the reopening of St Clears railway station.
“More houses are being built in St Clears and the surrounding areas and many residents now work or go to school in places like Whitland, Carmarthen and Swansea,” she said.
“Train travel is far more sustainable if we are serious about helping to people to live more sustainable lives.
“Young people also want the chance to stay in the bigger towns like Carmarthen in the evenings to socialise with their friends but at the moment the bus stops at 9pm.”
She invited Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones to the town to meet townspeople to hear their case.
He told her that station improvements were part of the national transport plan and asked her to give him a briefing on the bid to reopen the station.
“My department has submitted a major bid to the Welsh European Funding Office seeking a substantial grant, under convergence funding, to enhance and accelerate the national stations improvement programme,” he added.
