Local politicians are calling for action to tackle the problem of vandalism and antisocial behaviour at a Pembrokeshire train station.

In a meeting at Haverfordwest station on Friday morning (February 2) organised by local Councillor David Bryan, Pembrokeshire Preseli MP Stephen Crabb and Paul Davies MS joined representatives from British Transport Police and Transport for Wales to review the condition of the station and discuss recent incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage nearby.

While Transport for Wales is responsible for managing the station, it remains unclear what parts of the station are owned by Network Rail.

Action is being taken following the meeting to clarify ownership to understand whether old buildings can be improved and utilised into community facilities.

Tenby train station litter
Littering at Tenby Train Station platform (Observer pic)

Last year Haverfordwest station saw almost 100,000 entries and exits as passenger numbers continue to recover following the Covid pandemic.

During the meeting it was confirmed that a short-term security solution has been implemented and that British Transport Police would be working closer with Dyfed Powys Police to address the issues at the station.

CCTV as an option is being explored but subject to funding being made available by Transport for Wales.

Transport for Wales are also interested in working with any community groups who may want to become station adopters to work with them to improve the appearance of the station.

Following the meeting, local MP Stephen Crabb said: “Haverfordwest station is in a poor state with boarded up windows and a partially abandoned appearance. But the truth is that it is well-used by passengers, has a successful café on site, and thankfully still has a staffed ticket office.

“With a bit of care and some investment, the station could be brought back to a condition we can all be proud of. Wherever buildings look unused or abandoned, they attract vandalism and problems.”

“I am pleased that we were able to have such positive meeting about the station’s future and I’m hoping that there will be real momentum to tidy it up and make it more appealing for the community that use it but also to give a good impression of the town for those arriving by rail.”

Kilgetty train station
Kilgetty train station (Observer pic)

Last summer, persistent vandalism and anti-social behaviour at two of Pembrokeshire’s most well used but unmanned train stations over the holiday period, saw local councillors turn to the British Transport Police to try and eradicate the issue.

In Tenby, the station which is the first impression that the hundreds visitors each day to the seaside town get when they arrive, had been hit by persistent vandalism and littering problems; whilst County councillor for the Kilgetty and Begelly ward Cllr Alistair Cameron told the Community Council that the village’s Railway Station was consistently being targeted by vandals, and anti-social problems.