News

Neyland Town Council faces fresh turmoil as Mayor cancels meeting

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2024

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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

8 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.