Local Government

Another leak from Neyland: Clerk’s own job description contradicts email claims

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2025

Official document shows project management and event delivery are part of the Clerk’s role

ANOTHER internal document has been leaked from Neyland Town Council, this time appearing to contradict claims made by the Clerk in her now-infamous email to councillors about being overworked and expected to lead community projects.

***Neyland town clerk: Libby Matthews***

The Herald has obtained the official job description and employee specification for the role of Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer, dated July 2023. The document, approved by the council last year, clearly states that the Clerk is required “to oversee the implementation of all events (including civic events, town twinning and community-engagement initiatives) approved by the Town Council” and “to manage projects ensuring adherence to project plans, budgets and deliverables.”

These clauses appear to contradict the Clerk’s statement to councillors on 30 September that it was “an impossible standard” for her to be expected to lead projects and that councillors should instead take responsibility for delivering them.

Hours increased to run more projects

A source with direct knowledge of the council’s employment arrangements told The Herald that the Clerk’s contracted hours were increased from 20 to 30 per week in 2023, “specifically to give more time for organising events and managing council projects.”

The same source said the email circulated to councillors last week, in which the Clerk accused members of failing to contribute ideas, “appears inconsistent with the duties she is paid to perform.”

The Herald has verified that the clauses appear in the official job description, which also makes the Clerk accountable for ensuring all council decisions are effectively implemented.

Further controversy after public outburst

The latest leak comes just days after Town Clerk Libby Matthews publicly attacked The Pembrokeshire Herald on social media, accusing the newspaper of having a “personal agenda” and mocking the editor with laughing emojis.

In a comment posted under the Herald’s Facebook report about her leaked email, Ms Matthews wrote: “Tom, guess I hurt your feelings by calling you out. The public and residents know you, and they know me… nice try at causing further tensions and trying to shift blame over to me now for everything. It won’t work… Bore off and find another victim to try and cause trouble for.”

The Herald replied publicly, stating that the article was based entirely on Ms Matthews’ own correspondence to councillors and that “publicly attacking journalists for accurate reporting does not reflect the standards expected of a Town Clerk.”

The exchange drew widespread reaction, with several residents criticising the Clerk’s tone and questioning whether such behaviour was appropriate for a senior local-government officer.

Under the Local Government Act 1972, a town-council clerk acts as the Proper Officer and is expected to remain professional, impartial and politically neutral at all times.

Pattern of dysfunction

This is the latest in a string of damaging disclosures from within Neyland Town Council. Earlier this year The Herald reported that a councillor under investigation for alleged bullying and harassment of the Clerk resigned before the Ombudsman could complete its inquiry.

Two further councillors, Brian Rothero and David Devauden, are currently facing hearings before the Adjudication Panel for Wales over alleged breaches of the members’ Code of Conduct.

Residents have expressed frustration that the authority appears more preoccupied with internal disputes than with improving the town.

Questions over governance

The newly leaked job document adds another layer of confusion to the council’s internal dispute. In her email, the Clerk wrote that councillors “must agree on a member or working group” to lead projects and warned that she could not manage them all herself.

However, the council’s own approved job description assigns the Clerk specific responsibility for implementing and managing those same projects. The contradiction raises questions about how roles are being interpreted and whether the council has clear internal oversight of its officer’s performance.

Community reaction

Several Neyland residents have commented online following the latest revelations. One wrote: “It’s becoming embarrassing for the town. Every week there’s another leak. Maybe time they all started focusing on the community instead of arguing.”

Another said: “This is proof the Herald was right to report on what’s really going on — people deserve to know the truth.”

What happens next

The council is due to meet later today (Monday, Oct 6), where the 12-month plan and member responsibilities will again be discussed. It remains unclear whether the leaked job description will be addressed or whether disciplinary or procedural action will be taken in response to the Clerk’s public comments.

The Herald has contacted Neyland Town Council regarding the latest claims and awaits a response.

Local Government

Call for Return of Salt Tip in North Pembrokeshire to Improve Winter Road Safety

Published

3 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PROPOSAL for the reinstatement of a salt tip in North Pembrokeshire to improve road safety during snowy and icy conditions has been put forward by local councillor Huw Murphy.

At the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Murphy called for a review of the council’s current weather strategy, highlighting the need for an auxiliary salt tip in the north of the county. His motion, which was supported by senior councillors, aims to address the challenges faced by motorists during severe winter weather.

Cllr Murphy’s motion emphasized the importance of having a reserve salt tip available to ensure primary routes remain clear and accessible during snow and ice conditions. This would allow emergency services to respond to calls, key workers to reach their workplaces, and essential vehicles like HGVs to access farms for activities such as milk collection.

Historically, a salt tip was located near Crymych, which proved invaluable for gritting roads, particularly the A478 between Crymych and Cardigan, and between Crymych and Clunderwen. These roads, often treacherous during snowy weather, have caused difficulties for HGVs, coaches, and school buses in the past.

The proposal stresses that a new salt tip in Pembrokeshire would allow for quicker and more regular gritting, making roads safer for all users, especially during the harshest winter conditions. Cllr Murphy also highlighted that recent heavy snowfall exposed weaknesses in the current gritting strategy, particularly in the northeast of Pembrokeshire and the Preseli Mountains, which are most prone to severe weather.

The motion also called for prompt gritting and the deployment of snow ploughs on key routes, including the A478, A487, B4332, and B4329, which are vital for the local communities in the northeast and Preseli areas.

The county council’s Cabinet will now consider Cllr Murphy’s motion for further review.

Local Government

Carmarthenshire welcomes new council leader

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New Cabinet confirmed following Full Council meeting

COUNCILLOR Linda Evans has been appointed Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council and Chair of the Cabinet following a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday (Dec 10).

A long-serving Plaid Cymru councillor for the Llanfihangel-ar-Arth ward, Cllr Evans has served on the authority since 2008 and has been a Cabinet Member since 2015.

Her appointment was formally confirmed during the meeting, where she also announced her Cabinet team — a 10-member executive responsible for the council’s overall business. The Cabinet meets fortnightly to make key decisions and recommendations to Full Council and, in some cases, decisions can be taken individually by Cabinet Members.

All members of the previous administration have retained their roles, with one change: Cllr Emlyn Schiavone joins the Cabinet as the new Cabinet Member for Homes.

The full Cabinet is as follows:

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism: Cllr Hazel Evans
Cabinet Member for Education: Cllr Glynog Davies
Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language: Cllr Carys Jones
Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce: Cllr Philip Hughes
Cabinet Member for Resources: Cllr Alun Lenny
Cabinet Member for Homes: Cllr Emlyn Schiavone
Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services: Cllr Edward Thomas
Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Children and Adult Social Services: Cllr Jane Tremlett
Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability: Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen
Leader of the Council: Cllr Linda Evans

Speaking after her appointment, Cllr Evans said:
“It’s an honour to be elected as Council Leader and I look forward to working with the Cabinet and all members across the chamber for the benefit of the residents of Carmarthenshire.”

Climate

Urgent calls for action on Pembroke Commons flooding

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

TWO PEMBROKESHIRE councillors have submitted an urgent call for action following recent heavy flooding in parts of Pembroke.

Pembroke councillors Aaron Carey and Jonathan Grimes have submitted an urgent notice of motion ahead of tomorrow’s December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council following heavy flooding in the town’s Commons and Castle Pond area.

The notice of motion covers six points.

“That this council notes with concern the repeated and increasingly severe flooding experienced in our coastal, estuarial and river-fringe communities over recent weeks — in particular the flooding events affecting the Commons/Castle Pond area.

“That the council further notes that, according to correspondence from the Coastal, Rivers & Drainage Team Manager, the tipping gate at the barrage remains out of operation until mid-January due to mechanical issues; meanwhile high tide, heavy rain, wind-driven tidal surges and overspill at the sluice have combined to overwhelm the drainage/outfall infrastructure.

“That we recognise the current maintenance schedule (delayed till after the summer season) and the justification given — but further that such planning failed to foresee the likelihood of severe winter storm and surge events, which climate change makes more frequent and more intense.

“That this council therefore calls on the Cabinet to commission an urgent review of:

The adequacy of the current drainage/outfall and tidal-sluice infrastructure (barrage tipping gate, sluice/sluice-valve, flap valve, outfall capacity) for current and projected climate/tide conditions.
The maintenance scheduling policy for coastal and estuarial flood-risk assets, with a view to ensuring critical maintenance is completed before winter high-tide / storm-surge season, rather than — as at present — being delayed until after summer for ‘recreational / biodiversity’ reasons.

“That, pending the outcome of the review, the council should allocate appropriate emergency capital funding to remediate the barrages / sluices / outfalls at risk of failure or blockage — to safeguard residents, properties, highways and public amenities from further flooding.

“That, further, this council resolves to publish a public flood-resilience plan for the county, identifying all coastal and river-fringe ‘hotspots,’ maintenance schedules, responsible teams, and a transparent timeline for upgrades or remedial works — so residents have clarity and confidence in flood prevention measures.”

The submission also includes a question for Cabinet Member Cllr Rhys Sinnett.

“In light of the repeated flooding events across the county – including the recent overflow at Castle Pond and the acknowledgement by your own Coastal, Rivers & Drainage Team that the barrage tipping gate remains inoperable until mid-January can you explain what assessment has been made of the adequacy of our tidal outfall infrastructure in the face of current and projected future storm surges and sea-level rise?

“If no such assessment has yet been undertaken, will you commit now to commissioning an immediate structural and risk-capacity audit, with a report to full council within three months, and with proposals for funding any remedial works required — to avoid recurring damage and disruption to residents, highways, and public amenities?”