Community

Neyland Town council sees 15 code of conduct complaints

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

ONE PEMBROKESHIRE council was responsible for nearly two thirds of all code of conduct complaints about town and community councils in the county lodged with the Ombudsman.

At the October 2 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Standards Committee, members received the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales annual letter for 2024/25, which said 30 code of conduct complaints had been received during the year, seven relating to county councillors and 23 to town and community councils.

The previous year, ’23-’24, saw 22 such complaints, six at county and 16 at town/community level; 2022-’23 figures showing eight county and 14 town/community.

County councillor code of conduct complaints for ‘24’25 saw one discontinued, not in the public interest to pursue; five no prima facie evidence of breach; and one referred to adjudication panel.

Of the 23 town and community code complaints, Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council and Haverfordwest Town Council had one complaint each that was not in the public interest to investigate; Hundleton Community Council, Tenby Town Council, and Manorbier Community Council had one case each of no prima facie evidence of breach; Martletwy Community Council having one case each of not in the public interest to investigate and no prima facie evidence of breach; Saundersfoot Community Council had one case of discontinued, not in the public interest to pursue.

By far the largest number of cases were for Neyland Town Council, which had one not in the public interest to investigate, four no prima facie evidence of breach, three no evidence of breach, and seven referred to adjudication panel, for a total of 15 out of the 23 complaints received about town and community councils in the county, representing just over 65 per cent of the 23.

The report also said there had been 47 general county council complaints, some carried over from the previous year, made up of 15 decision not to investigate complaint, seven early resolution, 12 matter out of jurisdiction, one non-public interest report issued: complaint not upheld, 11 premature, and one voluntary settlement.

Members noted the annual letter and will present it to the Cabinet and to the Governance and Audit Committee.

Committee chair David Parsons told members there were “still matters ongoing” in the case of Neyland, suggesting the committee offer help when those were resolved.

Members had earlier received a report that said an Ombudsman investigation into a former Neyland town councillor over four separate code of conduct complaints had been discontinued, but could have been referred to a tribunal if the member hadn’t resigned.

“Broadly, it was alleged that the former member had failed to treat others in the council with consideration and respect; had made vexatious complaints about other members; had bullied and harassed the clerk and had brought the council and office of councillor into disrepute.”

It added: “The evidence we gathered demonstrated a concerning picture of poor behaviour, over a substantial period of time, which had affected others, which engaged the rights of others, and was not indicative of the high standards of behaviour expected of members in public life.”

It said that, after the member ‘retired’ from the town council ‘on grounds of ill health’ during the investigation it was considered “it was therefore no longer in the public interest to complete our investigation and we decided to discontinue our investigation”.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).