Underrated UK seaside town that’s overshadowed by its more famous neighbour set to get first direct trains to London
A UK seaside town is set to receive a new direct train service to London.
The “underrated” seafront spot is often overlooked by tourists for more popular Welsh beaches.
Welsh Labour has pledged to create a direct rail service that will link Milford Haven, in Pembrokeshire, to London.
Passengers will be able to travel straight from the seaside town to the capital with the new route, which promises to bolster economic and tourism growth in the surrounding area.
Alongside the speedy service to London, the upgrade would also include an hourly service and safety improvements to the station’s level crossing.
The new route will build upon the current £50 million investment into Milford Haven’s transport links.
Refurbishments on the town’s railway service are already underway, aiming to develop Milford Haven into a modern transport hub.
Plans for the renovation include new modern facilities, a relocated train platform, improved walking and cycling routes, a new taxi rank and better parking.
The investment is being delivered in partnership by the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council.
The First Minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour, Eluned Morgan, said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro.”
“But this is about more than just a rail line.
“It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector, and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.
“This is how we build a stronger future for west Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”
Milford Haven, located on the Pembrokeshire coast, is an “underrated” seafront town, according to Wales Online, often overlooked for the more popular seaside spot of Tenby.
Less crowded than its competitor, visitors to Milford Haven will find charming shops, restaurants and sandy beaches.
The harbour town is also home to Wales’s largest fishing port.
The proposed direct rail service will aim to develop tourism in the town and surrounding Pembrokeshire area, and support the local economy.
Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.
“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve.
“With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.”