A SOCIAL-MEDIA post by the clerk of Neyland Town Council has sparked concern over professionalism and conduct within the authority, as tribunal hearings arising from complaints against several Neyland councillors are due to take place early next year.

Clerk Libby Matthews posted publicly on Friday (Dec 5): “F*** you, see you at your tribunals in January lads,” accompanied by the hashtag “if you know you know”. The remark appeared to refer to Local Government Ombudsman tribunal hearings scheduled for the new year.

The Herald understands that the January hearings relate to complaints lodged against a number of Neyland councillors, which have progressed through the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and are now due to be considered by a tribunal panel.

The latest post adds to a period of turbulence for Neyland Town Council, which has experienced persistent internal disputes, a high volume of conduct complaints, resignations and repeated public disagreements over the past two years. Earlier Herald reports have detailed strained relations between the clerk and several councillors, with both sides accusing the other of inappropriate behaviour.

Concerns about Ms Matthews’ public engagement intensified this autumn when she accused a Herald journalist of “bullying” after receiving a routine request for comment. The request, sent at 00:41 on 6 October, sought clarification on material already in the public domain. At 08:55, Ms Matthews replied stating that she felt “harassed” and asked to be left alone. The Herald published its story only after the right of reply had been declined.

Later that day, Neyland Town Council issued a corporate statement claiming the newspaper’s coverage was “targeted” and “bullying”. No evidence was provided, and no clarification has been offered since. In response, the Herald’s Editor lodged a formal complaint with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on 8 October, arguing that both the council’s statement and the clerk’s public comments were unsupported and potentially damaging to press freedom.

In his complaint, the Editor suggested the council’s handling of the matter was inconsistent with expected standards of respect, integrity and openness, and described a pattern in which legitimate questions were sometimes met with personal allegations rather than substantive responses. The Ombudsman is considering the complaint.

The tribunal proceedings are expected to begin in January. The Herald will continue to report developments.

LARGE crowds gathered in Milford Haven on Saturday afternoon (Dec 6) as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on – with Santa making a dramatic entrance by RNLI lifeboat.

The popular annual event began at 4.30pm with a festive parade setting off from Charles Street, outside the old police station, before making its way down through the town to Hamilton Terrace and on to the Town Hall. Families lined the route despite the cold, with children waving lanterns and cheering as Santa and his helpers joined the procession.

RNLI crew members from Milford Haven gave Santa a very Pembrokeshire-style arrival earlier in the day, escorting him into the marina aboard their all-weather lifeboat. Volunteers posed with Santa for photos before he headed off to meet waiting families.

After entertainment and stalls outside the Town Hall, the countdown began — and the Christmas tree lights were officially switched on to cheers from the crowd.

One notable absence this year was the traditional lighting along Hamilton Terrace. Milford Haven Town Council confirmed that new lamp posts installed earlier in the year were not yet ready for Christmas light fittings, meaning the usual display could not be installed in time for the switch-on.

Despite this, the area around the Town Hall was brightly illuminated, with the building covered in colourful lights and a Christmas tree standing at the entrance, creating a festive atmosphere as the town marked the start of the holiday season.

(Photos: Pure West Radio/Visit Milford Haven/Herald)

Teen competitor airlifted to Cardiff Hospital with major injuries as community rallies to support her recovery

A FUNDRAISING campaign has passed the £5,000 mark in support of Delphi, a talented young surfer from South Pembrokeshire who was seriously injured in a car accident last week.

The teenager, who had been preparing to compete in the Euros Surf Competition next year, was left with significant injuries after the crash. Emergency services had to cut her free from the vehicle before she was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. She remains there awaiting surgery after suffering a broken pelvis and other trauma, with what is expected to be a long road to recovery.

Her family are currently travelling to Cardiff every day and staying by her side as she undergoes treatment. Friends say the injury has been devastating for a young athlete whose life revolves around the ocean, training, and the competitive surf scene.

A GoFundMe campaign titled “Back to the Waves – Support Delphi’s Rehab Journey” was launched this week to help ease the financial strain on the family and provide specialist rehabilitation support once she is well enough to begin recovery. Organisers say the aim is to give her “the best possible chance of getting back to the sport she loves.”

Within days, donations had climbed above £5,000, with contributions pouring in from fellow surfers, local residents, beach communities and well-wishers across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Messages on the page describe Delphi as “a rising star”, “full of promise”, and “a lovely young girl who lights up the line-up.”

A spokesperson for the fundraiser said: “Delphi has big dreams for her surfing future. This accident has knocked her world off its axis, but with proper rehab and support she has every chance of coming back strong. We’re incredibly grateful for every donation, message and share.”

The Herald understands the family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support during what they describe as the worst week of their lives.

The GoFundMe page can be found here for those wishing to donate or share the campaign: Back to the Waves – Support Delphi’s Rehab Journey.