We've all been here, and this piece follows the usual formula.
So it's a rank closure to make way for 'improvements', and the temporary rank (if there even is one) is very inconvenient for both the trade and passengers, leading to a loss of work. And not enough space in the replacement area
And the official response from a councillor with a ridiculously long job title follows the usual formula as well
Great photos, though
Milford taxi firm raises concerns over station works
https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news ... ion-works/
Image: Newsquest/Western Telegraph
A Milford Haven taxi company manager says the temporary closure of the train station car park is making it harder for passengers to access taxis and is having an impact on business.
The car park closed on August 5 as work began on the new Public Transport Interchange, which will replace the existing train station. It is due to remain shut until September 18.
Elite Taxis manager Mike Osmond said both passengers and drivers had been affected by the changes.
"It's a lot harder to pick up and drop off customers," he said.
"It's more of an inconvenience for customers than anything."
Passengers now have to walk from the station to a temporary pick-up point near the roundabout, rather than being collected directly outside the station.
Mr Osmond said the company had noticed a decline in taxi journeys from the station since the closure, although the full impact was difficult to quantify.
"We have had fewer people using taxis from the train station," he said.
Previously, drivers could wait near the station and pick up passengers arriving by train, including those who had not booked in advance.
"Sometimes we'd park by the train so when it pulled up, people who hadn't actively phoned for a taxi could just jump straight in and go," he said.
"We can't physically do that now, so it does have an impact on our business."
Image: Newsquest/Western Telegraph
He also said the temporary collection point lacked sufficient space when several taxis arrived at once.
"We've struggled to get two cars picking up at the same time because there's just not enough space," he said.
When multiple passengers request taxis, drivers often have to wait elsewhere before moving into the pick-up area.
"It's like a fight to get in then," he added.
Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, Cllr Paul Miller, acknowledged the disruption but said the long-term benefits would outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
"There may be some short-term disruption, but this is the sort of investment that people will look back on in the future and be pleased was made," he said.
The new transport interchange is expected to improve connectivity to and from Milford Haven, with Cllr Miller saying it could help pave the way for direct rail services to London Paddington.
The temporary car park closure marks the first stage of work on the project, which is expected to be completed by summer 2027.