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Neyland Town Council faces fresh turmoil as Mayor cancels meeting

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NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has plunged deeper into controversy after Mayor Peter Hay announced the cancellation of its scheduled meeting on Monday (Dec 9). The Mayor cited a “lack of appetite” among councillors to meet, attributing the discord to the behavior of “a few individual councillors.”

This decision follows months of internal strife, with the council already under scrutiny after a grievance lodged by the Town Clerk in October accused several councillors of harassment. That complaint led to the postponement of a meeting on October 7 and exposed longstanding rifts within the council.

In a statement, the Mayor criticized unnamed councillors for fostering “discord and disruption” and called for an end to the factionalism that has plagued the council. He defended his leadership, urging critics to file formal complaints if they believed he had failed in his role.

The statement, posted on social media, received mixed reactions. While some residents applauded the Mayor’s candor, others questioned his professionalism. One commenter remarked: “Very mayor-like and professional.” Calls for leadership change have also surfaced, further intensifying pressure on the troubled council.

Longstanding divisions resurface

This latest controversy is part of a broader pattern of dysfunction within Neyland Town Council. In October, the council was paralysed after the Town Clerk’s grievance alleged harassment by several members. An internal review substantiated the claims, deepening divisions among councillors.

The grievance also shed light on allegations of factionalism and abuse of power. Some councillors accused colleagues of exploiting their positions to sideline others, with one labelling it “nothing less than an abuse of power.”

Residents have expressed growing frustration over these disputes. Social media comments reveal widespread disappointment, with one resident stating: “The council should all be working towards the betterment of Neyland, not pursuing personal vendettas.”

Concerns over governance

The ongoing turmoil has raised serious questions about the council’s leadership and transparency. Key concerns include:

  • Allegations of financial mismanagement by the Neyland Community Interest Company (CIC).
  • Criticism over the council’s handling of Christmas events, with poor public attendance linked to internal dysfunction.
  • Uncertainty about the council’s direction amid repeated conflicts.

Councillor Brian Rothero has called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to address these issues, including the CIC’s finances and governance. He accused the council of failing to provide transparency to precept-paying residents, who have contributed around £500,000 to community projects.

A frustrated community

For Neyland residents, the lack of cohesion within the council has been disheartening. Many have called for councillors to put aside personal differences and refocus on serving the community. One resident commented: “Years gone by, there was none of this… it was all sorted during a meeting.”

What’s next?

The cancellation of Monday’s meeting leaves critical questions about the council’s governance and future direction unresolved. With an EGM expected soon, residents are hopeful the council can address its issues and regain public trust. However, repeated crises have left many doubting whether the current leadership can restore unity and confidence.

The Herald will continue to follow developments in this ongoing saga.

 

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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