Local Government

Clerk blasts Neyland councillors over lack of action in leaked email

Published

1 month ago

October 4, 2025

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.

***Neyland’s town clerk: Libby Matthews***

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?

Education

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School could close permanently

Published

2 days ago

November 8, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PUBLIC consultation on the potential closure of a Pembrokeshire school, severely damaged in a fire just over three years ago, has now been launched.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

After that, a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall.

It had been hoped the school would be rebuilt, but earlier this year members of Pembrokeshire County Council backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which, amongst other recommendations, included a statutory consultation on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.

The decision attracted strong local opposition, with more than 1,200 people to date signing a petition on the council’s own website calling for the school to be rebuilt.

At the July meeting, St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) said it had always required that the school be reinstated and was against the proposal to discontinue Manorbier, asking: “Would a consultation on the closure of Manorbier VC School have been proposed had it not been ravaged by fire?”

Earlier this year councillors heard Manorbier has seen “a 59.8 per cent decline in the school’s pupil population during the period 2015-2025, with no indication that this will be significantly reversed during the next 5-6 years,” a report for members said, adding: “This decline cannot be attributed wholly to the fire which occurred in October 2022, with a 30.7 per cent decline from 2015 to 2022.”

It added: “The school’s capacity is 86 but there has been an increasing level of surplus places at the school, reaching 74.4 per cent in 2025. The school has been in a position of having significant surplus places (>25 per cent) for at least seven years.”

It said that most children living in the Manorbier school catchment attend other schools in the area, in 2024 only 15 children (18.5 per cent) living in the school’s catchment attended Manorbier school.

The capital cost of rebuilding Manorbier VC School, at the time of that meeting, was estimated to be £2.6 million.

At the July meeting, local member Cllr Phil Kidney said the diocese’s response “shows the council in a very bad light, steamrolling the closure no matter what”.

He added: “Of course we should rebuild this school,” adding: “We have an obligation to rebuild this school, it’s time to make the right decisions.”

Cabinet member for education Cllr Guy Woodham responded, saying a consultation was not a done deal: “We’re not at a situation yet where any decision has been taken; I can’t agree we’re ‘steamrolling’ it through.”

The formal consultation for the discontinuation of Manorbier Church in Wales voluntary controlled school opened on November 5 and runs until December 19.

The report is available on the council’s website, and hard copies are obtainable on request at [email protected] or by calling 01437 775164.

At the end of the consultation the feedback will be presented to a future meeting of the county council, members then considering whether to proceed with the proposal or not.

Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald

Local Government

CCTV plan to curb illegal off-road driving in Ceredigion

Published

3 days ago

November 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Council and police join forces to protect the countryside

A NEW initiative is being developed to install CCTV cameras at key upland locations across Ceredigion in a bid to deter illegal off-road driving and protect the county’s natural environment.

Ceredigion County Council is working in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Natural Resources Wales to tackle the growing problem of unlawful vehicle use on public rights of way and private land.

Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regeneration, said:
“The illegal use of rights of way and driving on land without lawful authority is a long-standing issue, and it’s getting worse. This behaviour damages paths, scars the landscape, harms private property and ruins the experience for those who want to enjoy the countryside responsibly.”

The council says the use of CCTV will help target offenders in the worst-affected areas and act as a visible deterrent to anyone considering taking part in such activities.

PC Jonathan Thomas, Rural Crime Constable with Dyfed-Powys Police, said:
“Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Crime Team is pleased to be part of this joint effort. We know how much damage illegal off-roading causes to communities and visitors alike. This CCTV scheme will strengthen our ability to deal with offenders and ensure that everyone can enjoy the countryside safely. Our patrols and operations will continue alongside this new measure.”

Officials are reminding the public that there are many safe and legal ways to enjoy driving in the countryside. Organisations such as the Green Lane Association (GLASS), Land Access Recreation Association (LARA) and Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) can offer advice and guidance for those interested in off-road recreation.

For more information, contact Clic Customer Services and ask for Public Rights of Way on 01545 570 881.

Community

Extra support helps more Pembrokeshire children learn to swim

Published

3 days ago

November 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Additional funding from Long Course Weekend Legacy Fund boosts local school swimming programme

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and Pembrokeshire Leisure have announced that extra support from Activity Wales, through the Long Course Weekend Legacy Fund, will help extend school swimming provision across the county — ensuring that more children and schools receive the help they need most.

The core school swimming programme continues to be funded by Pembrokeshire County Council, providing every primary school in the county with access to this essential life skill.

More instructors to help pupils most in need

Thanks to the additional Legacy funding, Pembrokeshire Leisure will now be able to employ an extra qualified swimming instructor to work alongside the existing school swimming instructor.

This will allow for more focused support for schools and pupils who would benefit most, helping to ensure that every child has the chance to become a confident and safe swimmer.

Above-average results across Pembrokeshire

School swimming lessons offer much more than time in the pool — they provide a purposeful introduction to water, teaching vital swimming, water confidence, and safety skills that children can use throughout their lives.

Pembrokeshire’s commitment to school swimming is already delivering strong results. During the 2024/25 academic year, 62% of children in Years 3–6 achieved the national swimming standard, well above the national average of less than 40%.

In addition, 80% of pupils leaving Year 6 achieved the National Curriculum standard, showing the impact of sustained local investment and dedicated instruction.

Partners united in water safety mission

Pembrokeshire Leisure and the Long Course Weekend fully support Swim Wales and Water Safety Wales’ belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe around water.

Together, they encourage all pupils to achieve the Nofio Ysgol Gold Award — the recognised minimum standard for swimming and self-rescue skills by the end of primary school.

All primary schools in Pembrokeshire currently access school swimming lessons, ensuring that every child in the county has the opportunity to learn this vital life skill.

Partnership working makes a splash

This collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Leisure, Activity Wales and the Long Course Weekend demonstrates the power of partnership in helping every child thrive, both in and out of the water.

Matthew Evans, CEO of Long Course Weekend, said:
“The results from our Legacy Programme have been nothing short of incredible — a real testament to what can be achieved when communities and partners come together with purpose.

“LCW has become so much more than an event; it’s a platform to give back, to inspire, and to invest in the next generation of Pembrokeshire’s children.

“What Mel [Morgan, PCC Swimming Teacher] and her team have accomplished is truly unparalleled in Wales. This year we’re taking it even further, launching a free open-water swim programme for children — made possible only through the generosity of our athletes and the unwavering support of partners like Hugh James and Princes Gate Water, whose belief in this mission continues to elevate the Legacy Programme to new heights.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said:
“Our ongoing partnership with the Long Course Weekend, supported through their legacy funding, has enabled Pembrokeshire Leisure to enhance our school learn-to-swim programme.

“This collaboration has achieved its aim of giving local schoolchildren the best possible opportunity to develop this vital life skill. We are extremely grateful for their contribution, which, alongside our core provision, has allowed us to deliver targeted support that makes a real difference for those most in need.”

Caption:
Cllr Marc Tierney (Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Wellbeing and Future Generations), Mel Morgan (School Swimming Teacher), Gary Nicholas (Leisure Services Manager) and Matthew Evans (CEO of Long Course Weekend).