Local Government

Dramatic start to Neyland code hearing as town clerk gives evidence

Published

5 months ago

January 15, 2026

Ombudsman-led proceedings heard at Haverfordwest County Court

A HEARING to determine whether a Neyland town councillor breached the code of conduct opened in dramatic fashion at Haverfordwest County Court on Thursday (Jan 15), with the town clerk called as the first witness.

The special proceedings, which began at 10:00am, relate to an Ombudsman investigation into complaints made about Cllr David Devauden, including complaints from Mayor Peter Hay and the clerk herself.

The courtroom was busy, with members of the public and councillors from Neyland, with the judge sitting alongside two magistrates.

Former councillor sought anonymity

At the outset, the judge dealt with preliminary matters, including an email from former councillor asking that his name not be mentioned during the proceedings.

The court heard that the councillor had resigned from the council and cited stress and mental health pressures. However, the judge said he had been a serving councillor during the relevant period and therefore a public figure in that context. The judge noted that no Article 8 application had been received and said the email did not amount to a request to keep his name out of the press. However, The Herald, has decided to do so.

Dispute over “undisputed facts” bundle

Cllr Devauden, who was representing himself, raised a preliminary point over the wording of what was described as an agreed bundle of “undisputed facts,” arguing some entries were inaccurate and potentially misleading.

He told the court that the bundle suggested he had accused the clerk of “committing illegal acts against the council,” but said his position was that he had alleged tampering with a government document, which he described as fraud.

The judge agreed to make minor amendments to the bundle in Cllr Devauden’s favour.

Clerk called to the stand

***On the stand: Town Clerk Libby Matthews***

The first witness was the clerk, who confirmed her full name as Elizabeth Anne Matthews and confirmed that she had made a complaint to the Ombudsman.

Cllr Devauden asked when they had first met. The clerk replied: “It was when you joined the council.”

“But that’s a lie isn’t it,” Cllr Devauden told the court, claiming he had met her in 2008 when she worked at the post office and that he had seen her regularly.

The clerk disputed this and said she did not start working at the post office until 2015, adding that she served a large number of customers and did not remember him from that time.

The judge asked Cllr Devauden whether he wished to challenge any disputed evidence, noting it would be his opportunity to do so.

Minutes and recordings

The hearing then moved to issues around council minutes and access to meeting recordings.

Cllr Devauden told the court he had asked the clerk for minutes but said they were not provided. The clerk replied that he had asked for “nine years of minutes,” and that this was not something that could be done immediately while she was busy.

Cllr Devauden disputed the timeframe and argued that minutes should be provided “on demand,” referring to what he said was the position under the Local Government Act.

The clerk told the court that while minutes had to be provided, it was “within a reasonable time,” rather than instantly.

The clerk was also questioned about why meeting recordings requested by Cllr Devauden had not been provided. She told the court she was concerned about protecting the council and said she believed he had been leaking information to the press.

She said press coverage of the council had “always been negative,” and claimed it was Cllr Devauden who was leaking information to newspapers.

Cllr Devauden denied leaking information and told the court that on the occasions he had spoken to the press, his name had been included and nothing had been “secret.”

Allegation of intimidation

The court heard an allegation that Cllr Devauden had shouted at the clerk when she refused to provide minutes.

Cllr Devauden denied shouting, telling the court it was “your word against mine,” and said he had walked out thinking the situation was “toxic.”

He also said the clerk had told him he could obtain minutes from the county records office, but claimed that when he attended he found nothing had been filed since 2000.

The clerk told the court she had believed they had been filed, describing it as a mistake.

The clerk also alleged that after requesting minutes, Cllr Devauden remained in the office and threatened to report her to the police, standing in the doorway and making her feel she could not leave.

Cllr Devauden denied threatening her with the police. The clerk told the court the matter was “in the emails.”

When challenged, she told the court: “What is written in my statement is true according to my absolute belief.”

Mayor called

***Neyland’s mayor gave evidence: Cllr Peter Hay***

Mayor Peter Hay was the next witness to give evidence. He confirmed he had also made a complaint regarding Cllr Devauden.

The court heard evidence relating to the Remembrance Sunday arrangements, including why Cllr Devauden was not selected as parade marshal and why he did not read the “order of wreaths.”

Cllr Devauden told the court he had carried out the role for “ten or 15 years,” while the mayor said he believed it had been done once before.

The judge questioned the relevance of the evidence as it was being explored, asking Cllr Devauden where it was leading. Cllr Devauden said he wished to show the mayor was a “pathological liar.”

Cllr Devauden referred to an allegation that the mayor had told councillors they had to choose between him or “the band” as the reason he was overlooked.

The mayor told the court he did not mean the Milford Haven Town Band and said he did not know which organisation had complained, suggesting it could have been “the Cubs, the Brownies or the Scouts.”

He said: “I do not engage in tittle-tattle. I just knew a complaint had been made.”

With no further questions considered relevant by the court at that stage, the judge directed that the mayor could step down from the witness box and take a seat. Proceedings then adjourned briefly.

Witness statement and ‘Sarah’s Law’ references raised

After the break, the hearing moved to evidence relating to requests for council documents and allegations surrounding access to information.

During the morning session, the court heard reference to a witness statement dated Friday, April 19, 2024, which included mention of ‘Sarah’s Law’. In questioning, one witness told the court she had not been well at the relevant time.

Cllr Devauden challenged parts of the evidence, including uncertainty over dates, and told the court that without a clear date he could not properly respond, asking how he could “admit or argue” evidence where timings were disputed.

There were also references in court to whether Cllr Devauden had asked for information about individuals, which he disputed, and further discussion about requests for historic minutes and access to recordings, including what could reasonably be provided and when.

The hearing also heard exchanges about whether individuals felt intimidated during interactions at the council offices, which Cllr Devauden denied.

The case continues.

Additional reporting by Seren Baker and Tom Sinclair

Local Government

Building better culture: Public invited to help shape regional vision

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Mid and West Wales are being invited to help shape a new cultural vision for the region.

Powys, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils have joined forces through the Mid and West Wales Strategic Culture Partnership, which is being led by Powys County Council.

The partnership is developing a long-term plan for culture across the region, following the Welsh Government’s Priorities for Culture, published in May 2025.

The project aims to bring communities together, celebrate Wales as a nation of culture and create new opportunities for residents, creative groups and organisations.

A regional Cultural Vision and four local Cultural Priority Plans are due to be completed by October 2026. These will support collaboration and investment in culture across the region over the next five years.

Public views sought

Residents, community groups, creatives and organisations are being encouraged to share their views on what culture means to them.

The consultation is being delivered through the Cwlwm project, Golwg Creadigol, with a series of drop-in sessions and evening workshops taking place during June.

Sessions will explore different interpretations of culture, including arts, theatre, heritage, libraries, local events, language and community life.

All sessions are open to everyone, with Welsh and English language options available.

Pembrokeshire sessions will take place at Fishguard Town Hall on Thursday (Jun 11), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

A second Pembrokeshire session will be held at Pembroke Dock Library on Monday (Jun 22), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 5:00pm and an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

‘Bursting with creativity’

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “Mid and West Wales is bursting with creativity, heritage and community spirit, and this exciting partnership is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and build on that together.

“By working across four counties, we can be more ambitious, more innovative and create a cultural vision that truly showcases everything our region has to offer.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible — residents, community groups, artists and organisations — so that together we can build a cultural future that is inclusive, ambitious and rooted in what matters most to our communities.

“So please attend one of our sessions in Pembrokeshire or share your views via the online questionnaire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said the partnership was “an exciting opportunity” to build a shared vision reflecting the region’s rich culture.

She said: “I would encourage residents, community groups and creatives to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of culture in our region.”

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Catrin M S Davies, said: “Our culture belongs to us, helps to define us, and is an integral part of our communities — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Ceredigion and beyond to have their say on culture in the future. We want to hear as many voices as possible.”

Powys Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, Cllr Raiff Devlin, said culture played an important role in strengthening local identity, supporting wellbeing and creating opportunities.

He added: “This is a real opportunity for people across Powys to help shape the future of culture across Mid and West Wales, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their views.”

How to take part

The full list of sessions includes:

Thursday (Jun 11): Fishguard Town Hall, drop-in from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 22): Pembroke Dock Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 29): Carmarthen Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Residents can also complete the online questionnaire through Ceredigion County Council’s website.

The closing date for responses is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Local Government

Pembroke Dock Market by-election notice to be published

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in Pembroke Dock Market ward are being advised that a Notice of Election will be published on Thursday (Jun 4).

Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit nomination papers to the Returning Officer between Thursday (Jun 4) and Friday (Jun 12), between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

Further details about the nomination process will be included in the Notice of Election when it is published.

Nomination papers can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by calling the Elections Helpline on 01437 775844.

The Statement of Persons Nominated will be published after nominations close. If the election is contested, polling will take place on Thursday, July 9.

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can find more information on the Democratic Services section of Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Tuesday, June 23. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Returning Officer Will Bramble said: “I would urge ward residents to register to vote and vote in the upcoming election.”

Poll cards will be sent to electors before polling day and will show which polling station they should attend.

Education

Tenby school needs new roof just ten years after opening

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FURTHER discussion are to take place about where pupils from a Pembrokeshire school will go while its roof is rebuilt after failing when it was less than 10 years old.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

In November 2024, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

The council implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, including the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the November 2025 Cabinet meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof, backing tenders for the works being sought.

It was warned there would need to be a “a comprehensive decant strategy” for pupils to go elsewhere while the works took place.

At the June 2026 Cabinet meeting, in a report presented by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Cllr Paul Miller, members were asked to approve the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for Stage 1 of the Tenby VC School Roof Replacement Project following tendering; Morgan Sindall Construction the most successful applicant.

Stage 2 construction contract will only proceed following a separate formal approval based on market tested packages, validated cost plans, and an assessment of value for money, a report for members said.

Members were also asked to consider which decant strategies are to be considered for detailed feasibility, in order to enable the roof replacement works to take place.

Seven initial options have now been narrowed down to five the report said.

Options include: decanting the whole school to Saundersfoot CP and Stepaside Schools while retaining Tenby VC as a separate entity at a cost of some £0.5m a year; distribute Tenby VC pupils across multiple local schools across the wider Tenby cluster; decant to nearby comprehensive Greenhill School which currently has 302 surplus places; establish a modular village at the northern boundary of Greenhill School, a self-contained modular village adjacent to Heywood Lane, comprising nine classrooms and associated facilities for Tenby VC; and a hybrid model combining the modular village and Greenhill accommodation.

Two earlier options of a modular village on alternative council owned land in Tenby and a modular village on the Tenby VC site have been discounted.

Members agreed to further consideration on the ‘decant’ strategy, subject to a more detailed feasibility exercise, a final decant proposal be brought to Cabinet for consideration, along with the setting aside of up to £75,000 to support the final proposal; Cllr Miller saying there were, in effect, two options for the building: to replace the roof “or don’t, and effectively abandon that site”.

“A roof completely failing on a 10-year-old building is completely bad news, but we have 180 children being educated in a building that is no longer fit for purpose, and we have to get on with it.”

A further report will be brought to Cabinet at the conclusion of Stage 1 to seek approval for entering the Stage 2 construction contract.