Leaked correspondence lays bare growing rift at Neyland Town Council

A LEAKED internal email has exposed deep divisions within Neyland Town Council, with the Town Clerk accusing councillors of failing to take responsibility for community projects and leaving her to shoulder the workload alone.

The message, written by Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer Libby Matthews, was sent on September 30 ahead of the council’s October 6 meeting. It has since circulated among councillors and former members, prompting sharp criticism and renewed scrutiny of relations inside the authority.

‘An impossible standard’

In the leaked email, obtained by The Herald, Ms Matthews apologised if her tone seemed “harsh” but said there was “no other way to really say it”.

She wrote: “I find it quite disappointing that there have only been suggestions given from two Members of Council – being Councillors, there should be ideas flowing on how to help our community.”

“It is an impossible standard,” she continued, “to agree for multiple projects to be voted through and then landed on my desk to lead them all, on top of my already heavy workload and many projects, events, accounts, legal and training I am already undertaking.”

The clerk reminded members that by signing their Acceptance of Office “you are making a commitment to be proactive in our community.”

“A Clerk works in the background and completes management, legalities, administration, advertising, accounting, accountability etc,” she added. “It should not be expected of me to lead, handle and complete every project the Council agrees on, independently.”

Few ideas submitted

The email accompanied a document titled Council Suggestions for a 12-Month Plan, listing only six proposals — three from Cllr Mike Harry and three from Cllr Ashleigh Phelan.
Ideas included creating an allotments committee, improving social-media use, building stronger links with the police and county council, running a public priorities survey, improving signage, and reviving Neyland’s market day or Brunel Festival.

No other councillors had submitted contributions.

Ms Matthews contrasted Neyland’s approach with nearby councils.

She wrote: “Speaking to surrounding Clerks, Council members from neighbouring authorities are incredibly proactive within their communities. Examples being: Llanstadwell Councillors on rotation cleaning and maintaining their park equipment, Milford Haven Councillors maintaining the Rath pool, and Haverfordwest Town Councillors creating their own projects and leading with them.”

She added: “Thus far, as a whole (aside from Cllr Hay), all decisions are made within Council and then passed along to my desk, with no further input or assistance. I’m desperately trying to push Council forward, but I cannot do it alone.”

A history of conflict

Neyland Town Council has seen a steady stream of complaints, resignations and procedural rows in recent years.
Meetings are frequently described by attendees as tense and unproductive, with arguments over minutes, votes and code-of-conduct issues often overshadowing ordinary business.

One former councillor told The Herald: “Neyland has so many people who care deeply about the town, but the council’s reputation has been badly damaged. Everything seems to end in confrontation.”

The latest row follows years of tension and disciplinary issues within Neyland Town Council.

Earlier this year, The Herald reported that an Ombudsman investigation into alleged bullying of the clerk was discontinued after the councillor concerned resigned. The Ombudsman’s report cited “poor behaviour over a substantial period of time”.

Two other former councillors members – Cllr Brian Rothero and Cllr David Devauden – are currently before the Adjudication Panel for Wales over alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct, including failure to show respect and bringing the council into disrepute. A hearing date has not yet been confirmed.

Residents have repeatedly told The Herald they are concerned about “constant disputes” and a lack of progress on projects.

The clerk’s role

Under local-government law, a town-council clerk is the statutory officer responsible for implementing decisions, managing finances and ensuring legal compliance – but not normally expected to lead community projects.

Ms Matthews’ email suggests she believes councillors have blurred that line, leaving her to handle both administration and project leadership.

Her call for members to form working groups mirrors the approach taken by other town councils, where councillors themselves lead initiatives under the clerk’s guidance.

The Herald understands some councillors have privately suggested bringing in external mediation to rebuild trust.

One senior figure familiar with the situation said: “There’s been a breakdown on both sides. The clerk feels undermined; some councillors feel lectured. It’s not sustainable.”

The same source said the leak may prompt formal discussion about conduct and confidentiality.

Public frustration

Residents told The Herald they are weary of the infighting.

At last year’s public meeting about the town’s events calendar, several attendees asked why plans for new signage, environmental clean-ups and the Brunel Festival revival had stalled.

One resident said: “All we ever hear about are rows and resignations. What we want is a council that gets things done.”

While Neyland Town Council regularly posts community updates online, it provides little detail about internal disputes or ongoing investigations.

Neighbouring authorities such as Milford Haven and Haverfordwest routinely publish project reports and minutes within days of meetings – a contrast noted by Ms Matthews in her email.

The council is due to meet on Monday (Oct 6) to discuss the 12-month plan and members’ responsibilities.
The Herald understands the agenda includes an item titled Council Work Plan and Member Responsibilities, reflecting the clerk’s request for councillors to take ownership of projects.

It remains unclear whether the email leak itself will be addressed.

A pattern of strained relations

This is not the first controversy to hit Neyland Town Council. In 2023, members clashed over communications policy and community-hub bookings, leading to a temporary halt on events. The clerk also took a period of stress-related leave that year before returning to post.

Observers say the repeated disputes have left the small authority struggling to maintain focus.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Model Code of Conduct for Wales, councillors must treat others with respect and uphold the reputation of their office. Clerks, meanwhile, must ensure proper governance and provide impartial advice.

Guidance from One Voice Wales urges councils to “foster a culture of shared ownership” where elected members and staff “work collaboratively, recognising distinct but complementary responsibilities.”

What happens next

The outcome of Monday’s meeting may determine whether Neyland Town Council can move forward or faces further instability.

If councillors back the clerk’s call for more engagement, attention will turn to whether members deliver on their promises. If not, there could be renewed calls for external oversight.

Either way, the leak has reignited debate about transparency, accountability, and leadership in Neyland’s local government.

While the correspondence was intended as an internal management note, its contents highlight long-standing concerns about the council’s effectiveness and culture.

Repeated conduct complaints, resignations and the absence of a clear long-term plan suggest deeper governance issues.

As one observer told The Herald: “Neyland deserves better. The town needs leadership, not another row about who’s to blame.”

For now, the question posed by the clerk still stands: who will take responsibility for getting things done?