The closure of the railway line between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock for urgent safety repairs until midnight on July 31 “must act as a catalyst to ensure the return of an hourly service,” says local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz.

A track defect has been discovered between the two stations, meaning train services are unable to operate safely through the affected section. As a result, all train services on the Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock line will terminate at Pembroke, with no trains continuing to Pembroke Dock during this period.

Road transport has been sourced to shuttle customers between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock at no additional cost, Transport for Wales have confirmed.

Commenting, South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz said:

“While safety is paramount, there will be frustration felt locally and disruption must be kept to a minimum.

“This is a key line into the port town of Pembroke Dock and the onward sailings to Rosslare, so the replacement bus service is welcome.

“Having worked alongside the South Pembrokeshire Rail Action group to lobby for improvements to services in South Pembrokeshire, this urgent safety work must act as a catalyst to ensure the return of an hourly service as a minimum.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport & Infrastructure Sam Rowlands MS, added:

“It will come as a disappointment to the commuters and passengers who use this service regularly and TfW must do all they can to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“The people of Pembrokeshire rely on this line, not just for commuting, but for tourism and local business and this incident has the potential to severely impact the area.

“While the bus replacement is welcome, it is the bare minimum. Transport for Wales must investigate how this situation has arisen and what they will do to ensure vital connections are properly maintained in future.”