News

Police report filed over Neyland Town Council email controversy

Published

1 month ago

February 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

EX-MAYOR’S REPORT TO COPS OVER NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL BULLYING

A FORMER Neyland Mayor has reported Neyland Town Councillor David Devauden to the police following explosive allegations of bullying and harassment against the town’s Clerk, Libby Matthews.

The controversy stems from an article published by The Pembrokeshire Herald on February 7, which revealed the contents of an email sent by Cllr Devauden to the Clerk. The email, described as containing intimidating language, personal attacks, and a demand for resignation, has been widely condemned.

Former Neyland Mayor Andrew Lye, who resigned in 2023 amid what he described as a “toxic” council environment, has now taken action. He visited Haverfordwest Police Station with a copy of The Herald article and formally reported the matter, obtaining a Storm reference number as evidence.

A COUNCIL IN CRISIS

The scandal is the latest in a series of controversies to engulf Neyland Town Council, which has been dogged by allegations of misconduct, internal disputes, and division over the past two years. In June 2023, Lye stepped down following allegations of racism, antisemitism, and anti-Islamic sentiment from Cllr Brian Rothero, based on an old blog post regarding male circumcision. This matter, along with another complaint made by Cllr Steve Thomas alleging conspiracy and fraud, is currently being investigated by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Lye’s removal from the mayoralty was particularly controversial due to the nature of the allegations. In a 2008 blog post, Lye questioned the necessity of religious circumcision, stating that if God “made man in his own image,” the practice seemed contradictory. This remark was later used by Cllr Rothero to claim Lye had engaged in antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric, leading to his ousting.

The controversy drew national attention, with the National Secular Society (NSS) and the men’s health charity 15 Square publicly condemning the council’s decision to remove Lye. The NSS and 15 Square argued that the allegations against Lye were “baseless” and warned that punishing him for raising concerns about circumcision would create a chilling effect on free expression.

The charities pointed out that circumcision has been listed as a “harmful” practice by the United Nations and highlighted documented cases where children in the UK have suffered serious complications, including life-threatening haemorrhages and deformities. The NSS also referenced a 2018 YouGov poll in which 62% of the British public supported banning non-medical circumcision of boys.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE GROWS

***Under investigation: Cllr Devauden***

Lye, angered by the contents of Devauden’s email, stated: “I was totally incensed by the words I read in the Herald article.” He referenced key parts of the email, which allegedly included the phrases “You’re a dead (wo)man walking”, “You’re not fit for purpose”, and comments about Matthews’ mental health and outside influences.

Commenting on the broader situation, Lye added: “The people of Neyland and the Town Council deserve better. The Town Clerk certainly does not deserve to be treated like this. Cllr Devauden should resign as a matter of urgency if just one word in that article is correct. He has brought the Town Council into disrepute.”

On social media, many Neyland residents have expressed outrage over the email’s contents, with some suggesting that all councillors should resign to allow for fresh elections. Lye noted that at the 2022 elections, only four councillors (himself included) were elected unopposed, while the remainder were appointed through co-option.

SILENCE FROM KEY COUNCILLORS

Lye also highlighted the notable silence from councillors Peter Hay, Mike Harry, Ash Phelan, and Ellen Phelan amid the ongoing crisis. However, he was quick to defend them against accusations of complicity, stating: “They have always fought for what is good for the town and the council. Because they were part of the complaints made to the Ombudsman, they have been effectively silenced from speaking out.”

The former mayor suggested that these councillors had been “treated appallingly” by others on the council, further deepening the divisions within Neyland’s leadership.

CALLS FOR REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY

As investigations continue, many are questioning whether Neyland Town Council is capable of governing effectively in its current state. Lye emphasized that he hopes the Ombudsman’s report will “finally bring accountability” to a council he believes has been failing for years.

“If the content of Devauden’s email is any indication of the wider culture within the council, then the people of Neyland, Pembrokeshire, and even Wales will be shocked when the Ombudsman’s findings are finally released.”

Lye lamented that, unlike health boards or county councils, there is no mechanism to place dysfunctional town or community councils under special measures. He stated that Neyland’s situation would likely justify such an intervention if it were possible.

POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

While the matter is now in the hands of the police, it remains to be seen whether any legal action will follow. Under the Malicious Communications Act 2003, it is a criminal offence to send electronic communications that are “grossly offensive, indecent, threatening, or designed to cause distress.”

Lye has urged authorities to seize Cllr Devauden’s electronic devices to examine all communications between councillors over the past two years, arguing that the public would be shocked by what has been said behind closed doors.

“I am against evil and bullying, so I had to go to the police to report this possible crime. Neyland deserves better, and I want it to get back to doing what it should be doing – where everyone works together for the good of the town.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With the Ombudsman’s report expected in the near future, and the police investigation now officially logged, Neyland Town Council faces intense scrutiny. Calls for Cllr Devauden to resign are growing louder, while broader questions remain over whether Neyland’s governance structure can withstand the deep divisions that have plagued it for years.

For now, Neyland residents are left waiting to see what action—if any—will be taken to restore faith in their council.

News

New ratings system for care services launches in Wales

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. 

All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection.

The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment.

Each theme will be judged as being excellent, good, requires improvement or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year.

The new system has been developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales and will help drive high quality standards across care services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system. Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website and on posters for the service provider to display.

Over the coming months, more and more services will be displaying their ratings, however it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings.

The new system represents an important step change in supporting continuous improvement. 

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.

“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

12 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

12 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.