Fears that state of train station is putting off visitors

THERE are fears that the “disgraceful” appearance of a train station dubbed an “atrocity” is putting people off visiting Wales’ oldest town.

- ROB HARRIES

The railway station in Carmarthen has been open in its current form since the early 20th century, and is situated just south of the River Towy which passes through the town.

It is a stop on the West Wales line from Swansea through to Pembrokeshire. The station is also on the main line from London Paddington, connecting Cardiff and Swansea to the east and Whitland to the west, before the line splits to serve Pembrokeshire towns including Tenby, Haverfordwest and Fishguard, with several other stops along each route.

Recently the upkeep of the station in Carmarthen and its lack of amenities have been the subject of fierce criticism, leading to a visit from the local MP following discussions with Network Rail, the owner of the station, and Transport for Wales (TfW), which operates it.

In recent weeks a director of a local business near the station said his customers “frequently comment on the disgraceful appearance of the station”.

He added: “As the gateway to West Wales, this is simply unacceptable.”

While the town centre is a short walk away, and Towy Sports Bar a snooker and pool bar which offers refreshments is situated across the road, the station itself no longer has a shop or a cafe, or any amenity for passengers waiting on one of its two platforms.

There are toilets, sometimes, but these are often closed and if open are not in the best of states, according to visitors.