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Explosive email leak reveals deepening crisis in Neyland Town Council

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THE TURMOIL within Neyland Town Council has taken a dramatic turn following the leak of an explosive email chain exposing bitter infighting, accusations of bullying, and allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of local government. The emails, exchanged between councillors and the town clerk, reveal a toxic atmosphere of hostility and personal attacks, further calling into question the ability of the council to function effectively.

Shocking accusations emerge

The leaked emails showcase a series of heated exchanges between Cllr Steve Thomas, Town Clerk Libby Matthews, and other members of the council, including Cllrs Brian Rothero and Ellen Phelan. In one of the most explosive messages, Matthews directly accuses Thomas of causing “trouble and destruction wherever you go,” and calls his actions “selfish and disgusting.”

The emails also contain deeply personal attacks, with one councillor being accused of narcissism and others being labelled as bullies. Matthews, in an emotionally charged statement, alleges that the behaviour of certain councillors was so damaging that it led to a period of severe personal distress. She claims she was subjected to relentless criticism and had considered resigning as a result of the hostile environment.

Allegations of mockery and intimidation

The controversy escalates further with allegations from Cllr Thomas that he has been mocked. He accuses Cllr Mike Harry of making derogatory comments and another councillor of saying they would be “happy to see him jump off the Cleddau Bridge.” These claims, if proven, could have serious consequences for those involved.

Cllr Thomas also claims that repeated complaints about mistreatment have been ignored, further intensifying concerns about governance within the council. In one email, he argues that the misuse of council social media to target individuals has exacerbated the toxic culture, accusing the leadership of abusing its position of power.

Battle over legitimacy and power

Another core issue exposed in the emails is the battle over council procedures and the legitimacy of recent meetings. Cllrs Rothero and Thomas insist that previous Extraordinary Meetings were called lawfully, while Matthews and her allies dismiss them as invalid. The emails reveal a power struggle over who has the authority to set the agenda and whether certain councillors are being deliberately shut out of decision-making.

In one particularly scathing email, Matthews refuses to acknowledge Cllr Thomas as a legitimate member of the council, stating, “I am not your clerk. I will not be forced into contact with my abusers anymore.” Such a statement highlights the severity of the fractures within the council and raises concerns over how governance is being handled in Neyland.

The impact on Neyland residents

With the ongoing disputes consuming the council, residents of Neyland are left wondering whether their representatives are capable of focusing on local issues. The email chain suggests that council meetings have become battlegrounds for personal vendettas rather than forums for addressing community needs.

The financial struggles of Neyland CIC, a community interest company that has reportedly lost £82,000, were mentioned in the exchanges but appear to have been sidelined by the ongoing personal feuds. The legitimacy of upcoming council meetings, including the scheduled Ordinary Meeting on February 3, is also in question as tensions continue to escalate.

Calls for intervention

As the email scandal unfolds, there are increasing calls for an external investigation into Neyland Town Council’s operations. Some residents and councillors are demanding that the Pembrokeshire County Council Monitoring Officer step in to assess whether governance rules have been broken and if any members should face disciplinary action.

One thing is clear—Neyland Town Council is in crisis. The leaked emails have lifted the lid on an institution plagued by division, hostility, and a total breakdown in communication. Whether the council can recover from this latest scandal remains to be seen, but the damage to its reputation may take years to repair.

Entertainment

Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

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A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.

The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.

Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.

Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”

The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.

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Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

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Crime

Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

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BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.

In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”

The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.

Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire

The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.

According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.

Call for action

Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.

The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:

“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”

With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.

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