News

Neyland Town Council paralysed as Clerk submits grievance over harassment

Published

1 year ago

October 8, 2024

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that the postponement of Monday’s (Oct 7) council meeting was due to the submission of a formal grievance complaint, alleging harassment by several councillors.

The Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, has issued a statement outlining the situation and the actions taken so far.

According to the statement, published on social media, the complaint was lodged by the Town Clerk, and its serious nature was the primary reason for the delay of the scheduled meeting.

The council is now following proper procedures in dealing with the matter, which include officially acknowledging the receipt of the grievance and informing all parties involved.

An internal assessment meeting was hastily convened last night, utilising the time made available by the meeting’s postponement.

All councillors, except those named in the complaint, were invited to participate.

Following this internal review, the council concluded that there is substance to the Clerk’s grievance.

Further steps will now be undertaken to fully address the complaint in line with the council’s established procedures. The Mayor has reassured residents that a new date for the postponed council meeting is being arranged and hopes the swift action will alleviate any concerns regarding the delay.

Grievance sparks division within Neyland Town Council, and residents express concern

The handling of the issue has drawn sharp criticism from local residents, as reflected in comments on the council’s Facebook post.

One resident, Jessica Hatchett, questioned the need for making the matter public, stating, “Grievances are confidential, and nobody needed to know. However, since this complaint has been known about by several people outside the council for several months, I do wonder why it has taken so long to investigate it. It should also be investigated by someone completely impartial, not just uninvolved councillors.” Hatchett further expressed disappointment in the apparent divisions within the council, saying, “At the moment, it is very obvious when you attend meetings that the council is split into groups. It’s a shame.”

Other comments mirrored Hatchett’s concerns about the council’s apparent factionalism. Frank Rowland supported the call for unity, writing, “The council should all be working towards the betterment of Neyland, not pursuing personal vendettas.” Another resident, Steve Thomas, who claims to be a current councillor, highlighted the difficulties faced by some members in their attempts to work for the community. “We shouldn’t have to battle against other Councillors to do what is right for the people of Neyland, but unfortunately that has been the very sorry state of affairs for the last two years,” Thomas stated.

Thomas also defended the timing of the information release, suggesting that the public needed to be aware of behind-the-scenes events. He alleged that the councillors involved in the grievance complaint had been holding a private meeting on the same evening the council meeting was postponed, a move that had raised concerns among some members of the public. “The exclusion of some Councillors now, Councillors who they are desperate to remove from the Council as we are scrutinising wrongdoing, is nothing less than an abuse of power, i.e., corruption,” Thomas claimed.

Amid the growing public debate, there were also legal concerns raised about the manner in which the grievance has been handled. Another commenter, Ian Hatchett, reminded the Mayor of his legal obligation to maintain confidentiality surrounding the identity of individuals involved in a grievance. “My thoughts go out to the clerk,” he added, voicing support for the council employee at the heart of the issue.

The situation has shone a light on what appears to be deeper fractures within Neyland Town Council, with residents and councillors alike calling for an end to internal conflicts in order to better serve the local community.

A new date for the postponed council meeting has yet to be announced, and residents are hoping for a resolution that will allow the council to refocus on issues affecting the town.

All eyes are now on Neyland Town Coucil.

The handling of this grievance could have lasting implications for the unity and effectiveness of the council moving forward.

(Pictured: Neyland’s Mayor, Cllr Peter Hay, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ash Phelan).

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

47 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

53 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.