Simon Hart MP joined Network Rail staff to see how Whitland station is being transformed creating a better gateway to the town and helping to boost the local economy.

Network Rail is transforming the station building, which dates back to the late 1960s, but has stood empty for more than a decade, into a regional maintenance hub for South West Wales with up to 20 staff.

Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said: "We are very lucky to have such excellent transport links in Whitland, but the station building has looked run-down for over a decade.

"The refurbished building will be a vast improvement and it will be great for the town to have workers based there 24 hours every day using local shops and cafes."

Sarah Kendall, area director for Network Rail Wales, said: "The work to Whitland station will create a building that the local community and our staff can be really proud of.

"The new depot will cater for a combination of Network Rail's technical and support staff and serve as a base for our maintenance staff in the area.

"This will help us to run a safe and reliable railway in South West Wales."

The project, which began last year, includes the complete removal of all asbestos within the building, repairs to the roof and the installation of new services. The refurbished building will have office space, kitchen facilities, a meeting room, toilets and a locker area with drying facilities.

The work is expected to be completed this spring.