News

Neyland council accused of running ‘roughshod’ as public anger erupts

Published

11 months ago

March 5, 2025

TENSIONS ran high at Neyland Town Council’s latest meeting on Monday (Mar 3) as members of the public clashed with councillors over calls for resignations, concerns about procedural irregularities, and accusations of the council being run “roughshod.”

Co-option controversy

The meeting began with the announcement of the co-option of new councillor Donna Matthews, the mother of Town Clerk Libby Matthews.

Mayor Peter Hay welcomed her to the council, but Cllr Steve Thomas immediately challenged the decision, arguing that it should not have been decided behind closed doors.

“This is not something that could be decided privately—the whole council should have voted on it,” said Cllr Thomas.

Mayor Hay dismissed the objection, stating: “That’s not how co-option has been done in the past.”

Cllr Thomas warned that “proper procedures should be followed” or the appointment “may not be lawful” and could “invalidate the entire meeting.”

The controversy was further heightened by the absence of Town Clerk Libby Matthews. It later emerged that she had taken sick leave due to the ongoing tensions within the council. In an emotional email sent on the morning of the meeting, she accused certain councillors of relentless bullying and harassment, stating that she could no longer endure the pressure and had to prioritise her mental health. She described feeling “forced under a horrible, nasty, abusive spotlight” and said she was taking at least a month’s leave, with the possibility of extending it if the council’s situation did not improve.

Background: Co-option process under scrutiny

The co-option of Donna Matthews follows a contentious decision made at a closed-door meeting on February 19, when the council appointed her without public scrutiny. The move led to accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency. Leaked emails suggested that at least one other valid candidate, Mr. Dickson, had been ignored despite applying, while Clerk Libby Matthews failed to acknowledge his candidacy. The decision triggered community outrage, with many questioning the ethical standards of the council’s leadership.

Petition to remove councillor ignored

The meeting became heated when members of the public were invited to speak.

One attendee directly asked Cllr Mike Harry if anything had been done about a petition demanding his resignation. Several councillors questioned why the petition had not been included on the agenda. Mayor Hay admitted he had not looked into it, saying: “I am very sorry, I have been very busy dealing with the Burial Board.”

The response did not satisfy the public, with one frustrated attendee shouting: “This council has been run roughshod, and it’s the people of Neyland that are the most important!”

Another resident confronted Cllr Harry over comments he allegedly made about local residents.

“Is Cllr Harry going to apologise for his actions? We know what he said—‘The degenerates of the Forrester’s Bar and their cronies.’”

Appearing flustered, Cllr Harry denied the accusation, saying: “I was referring to only three people and not six… The email I sent was read in a certain way and was not factual. Now, let’s move on.”

Cllr Steve Thomas pushed back: “Do not be so aggressive to members of the public—he wants to move on… why?”

Cllr Harry, growing visibly frustrated, responded: “We want to do things as a council for the people of Neyland and not keep talking about this nonsense!”

Mayor under fire for rejecting extraordinary meetings

The Mayor also faced intense criticism over his handling of requests for two extraordinary meetings.

Cllr David Devauden accused him of disregarding the legitimacy of these meetings, shouting: “You are lying!”

Cllr Brian Rothero also raised concerns: “We have had no documentation!”

Mayor Hay defended his stance, stating: “Look, the meeting was not legitimate. I will look into this again when I get a chance.”

His next remark, however, drew further outrage.

“I don’t look at my emails if they are from certain councillors,” he admitted.

This prompted anger from the public, with attendees calling for his resignation.

“You’re not working for the good of the town,” one person shouted.

Another resident declared: “As a taxpayer in this town, you lot should all hand your resignations in, and we should get a new council voted in.”

Their comment was met with applause.

Mayor: “I am popular in the town”

Despite the calls for his resignation, Mayor Hay insisted that he had local support.

“I have had many people come out to support me,” he said. “We are doing the best we can.”

Tensions continued to rise as Cllr Devauden pointed at the Mayor and angrily shouted: “RESIGN!”

A member of the public joined in, addressing Cllr Devauden in particular, saying: “That counts for you all!”

As councillors attempted to restore order, Cllr Steve Thomas defended the right of the public to express their frustrations, saying: “I think the public have important things to say and should be heard.”

Cllr. Ellen Phelan, who was taking notes in the clerk’s absence dismissed this, stating: “That’s not how we do things.”

At that point some members of the public stood up and walked out, seemingly fed up with their local representatives.

Key council decisions

Despite the heated exchanges, councillors proceeded with the agenda:

Councillors will now be allowed to record meetings, provided they inform others in advance.
The council will consider publishing all meeting recordings on its website, following a request from Cllr Harry.
A planned visit from 50 French schoolchildren was discussed.
The ongoing issues with council telephone lines, which have reportedly persisted since 2023, were raised again.
The council agreed to invite the Police and Crime Commissioner to attend a future meeting to discuss local crime concerns raised by Cllr Harry.
The council resolved not to re-add Cllr Steve Thomas to the bank mandate.
Councillors debated the future of the monthly telephone agreement, following a proposal by Cllr Steve Thomas.
The disbandment of the Christmas Working Group was discussed.
The council heard about plans for the Sanguinet Committee, VE-Day, and Easter celebrations, led by Cllr P Hay.
The fireworks display, which last year made a loss of £500, was discussed.
The council discussed adopting the defibrillator in the changing rooms of the Athletic Clubs.

What’s next?

The controversy surrounding Neyland Town Council is far from over. With tensions running high, calls for resignations growing louder, and disputes over procedural issues continuing, it remains to be seen how the council will respond to the mounting criticism.

Following concerns raised by Neyland Town Clerk Libby Matthews, who did not attend the meeting, The Herald has reviewed certain claims regarding the co-option process and the council’s telephone contract. Ms. Matthews states that all councillors were invited to attend the co-option and that the telephone line has been operational for months. However, concerns from some councillors about transparency remain.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to follow developments.

The Hub, Neyland

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.