Community
Neyland community interest company question criticised at County Hall
A CALL for a council director on a community interest company connected to Neyland’s community hub saw Pembrokeshire’s leader label it a question designed to pour criticism on the council’s deputy leader.
The ‘hub’ is home to Neyland’s library, town council offices and bar/restaurant, as well as providing space for a variety of leisure and sports activities.
Councillor Alan Dennison, in a submitted question heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, asked: “The outcome of the Cabinet meeting in September 2019 determined the need for a PCC representative on the board of directors of Neyland Community Interest Company (The Hub).
“This move was in accordance with the terms of the investment agreement between PCC and Neyland CIC, which mandated the presence of a PCC representative on the board of directors. This decision would not only ensure compliance with the agreement but also foster closer collaboration and communication between PCC and Neyland CIC, enhancing transparency and governance.
“The involvement of a PCC representative on the board of directors would provide a valuable channel for PCC to have a direct impact on the strategic direction and decision-making processes of Neyland CIC, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and productive partnership between the two entities.”
His question finished: “Who is PCC’s representative on the board of directors of Neyland CIC?”
Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller declared a personal and prejudicial interest, as a director of Neyland CIC, and left the meeting.
Responding, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said there was no council representative on the board, and no requirement for there to be so.
In a supplementary question, Cllr Dennison said a delay in submitting accounts by the CIC had “highlighted the need for an independent director of the board appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council”.
He added: “Effectively what’s happened is Neyland CIC has been loaned money by the council on a leasehold building, the asset lock has been transferred to a private company, in the name of one councillor and one accountant only; should Neyland CIC go into administration the whole of the asset transfers across to the private company.”
He finished: “The question is, will the leader make immediate arrangements with Neyland CIC to appoint a council-appointed director to represent the interests of Pembrokeshire County Council?”
Cllr Harvey responded, saying the 2019 meeting did not contain a requirement for a council representative.
“I think your question is designed to be critical of a director of Neyland CIC, and we know who that is because he’s left the room. If you have any issues with Neyland CIC I think you should report that to the Section 151 officer.
“I think it’s an absolutely wonderful facility; I don’t see what the issue is. If you can come back with evidence of any wrongdoing please direct it to the Section 151 officer or the head of legal services.”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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