NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has plunged deeper into controversy after Mayor Peter Hay announced the cancellation of its scheduled meeting on Monday (Dec 9). The Mayor cited a “lack of appetite” among councillors to meet, attributing the discord to the behavior of “a few individual councillors.”

This decision follows months of internal strife, with the council already under scrutiny after a grievance lodged by the Town Clerk in October accused several councillors of harassment. That complaint led to the postponement of a meeting on October 7 and exposed longstanding rifts within the council.

In a statement, the Mayor criticized unnamed councillors for fostering “discord and disruption” and called for an end to the factionalism that has plagued the council. He defended his leadership, urging critics to file formal complaints if they believed he had failed in his role.

The statement, posted on social media, received mixed reactions. While some residents applauded the Mayor’s candor, others questioned his professionalism. One commenter remarked: “Very mayor-like and professional.” Calls for leadership change have also surfaced, further intensifying pressure on the troubled council.

Longstanding divisions resurface

This latest controversy is part of a broader pattern of dysfunction within Neyland Town Council. In October, the council was paralysed after the Town Clerk’s grievance alleged harassment by several members. An internal review substantiated the claims, deepening divisions among councillors.

The grievance also shed light on allegations of factionalism and abuse of power. Some councillors accused colleagues of exploiting their positions to sideline others, with one labelling it “nothing less than an abuse of power.”

Residents have expressed growing frustration over these disputes. Social media comments reveal widespread disappointment, with one resident stating: “The council should all be working towards the betterment of Neyland, not pursuing personal vendettas.”

Concerns over governance

The ongoing turmoil has raised serious questions about the council’s leadership and transparency. Key concerns include:

• Allegations of financial mismanagement by the Neyland Community Interest Company (CIC).
• Criticism over the council’s handling of Christmas events, with poor public attendance linked to internal dysfunction.
• Uncertainty about the council’s direction amid repeated conflicts.

Councillor Brian Rothero has called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to address these issues, including the CIC’s finances and governance. He accused the council of failing to provide transparency to precept-paying residents, who have contributed around £500,000 to community projects.

A frustrated community

For Neyland residents, the lack of cohesion within the council has been disheartening. Many have called for councillors to put aside personal differences and refocus on serving the community. One resident commented: “Years gone by, there was none of this… it was all sorted during a meeting.”

What’s next?

The cancellation of Monday’s meeting leaves critical questions about the council’s governance and future direction unresolved. With an EGM expected soon, residents are hopeful the council can address its issues and regain public trust. However, repeated crises have left many doubting whether the current leadership can restore unity and confidence.

The Herald will continue to follow developments in this ongoing saga.

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is urging people across Wales to remain vigilant this weekend as Storm Darragh brings heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, posing significant risks in many areas.

The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Wales, with a heightened risk of significant flooding in southern regions from Saturday into Sunday. Though rainfall totals are predicted to be less than those seen during Storm Bert, saturated ground and debris-filled rivers from recent storms increase the likelihood of flooding.

The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings:

• Amber warning for rain in southern Wales from 3:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.
• Red warning for winds along the western and southern coastline from 3:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with an amber warning for winds from 1:00am to 9:00pm.

NRW Closures and Public Safety Guidance

All NRW-managed visitor centres, woodlands, trails, and car parks will be closed on Saturday to ensure public safety. Although coastal flooding is not currently expected, large waves caused by storm-force winds could pose significant danger. NRW is urging residents to:

• Avoid seafronts and promenades to reduce the risk of being swept away by waves.
• Take preparatory steps now to protect homes and businesses, such as moving valuables and vehicles to higher ground and packing a flood kit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

NRW offers a free flood warning service and updates flood alerts every 15 minutes:

• Sign up at naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
• Check flood alerts and warnings regularly online.

Becky Favager, Duty Tactical Manager for NRW, said:
“Storm Darragh is expected to have a significant impact across Wales. Rivers are already swollen, and with ground conditions so wet, we anticipate a high number of flood alerts and warnings.

“Our teams have been working around the clock, checking defences impacted by Storm Bert and preparing for Darragh’s arrival. With red and amber warnings in place, we’ve closed our visitor sites to protect the public. We strongly urge people to avoid riverbanks, seafronts, and floodwaters, as they pose serious safety risks.

“Sign up for our free flood warning service and take time now to prepare for potential flooding. Check your local flood risk on our website and ensure you have a flood kit with essentials like important documents and medication.”

NRW reminds the public to:

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as unseen hazards may lurk beneath.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit the NRW website for updates and practical advice.

Flood alerts and warnings are available online and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Residents can also check NRW’s five-day flood forecast for their area and find tips on preparing for potential flooding.

HIGH-RISK Tenby sex offender Christopher Flavin, 72, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing young boys, and creating indecent images of children. Flavin, described by His Honour Judge Geraint Walters as a “dangerous paedophile,” admitted in October to producing 12 Category B and 296 Category C indecent images of children between 2018 and 2023.

On Friday (Dec 6) at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mr Scapens described Flavin as “nothing but a committed paedophile,” detailing the lengths to which he went to exploit his victims, many of whom were young boys aged between 10 and 16. The court heard a personal statement from a complainant, under 13, who detailed the psychological trauma he has endured. “In the past few months, I have had feelings of sadness, which makes me cry. I have also been having nightmares and don’t want to leave the room at night.”

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Flavin attempted to deflect responsibility during proceedings. He represented himself after failing to secure legal counsel and claimed that the complainant had instigated inappropriate behaviours, stating, “He needs help with his mental health. He was obsessed with masturbation and sex.” Such assertions were dismissed by the court, with Judge Walters highlighting the “manipulative” nature of Flavin’s abuse.

The prosecution revealed that Flavin had groomed young boys, forcing them into sexual activities on school premises and targeting children. In addition to inappropriate touching during swimming lessons, he sought to isolate his victims by arranging camping trips. 

Further evidence presented during the hearing revealed Flavin’s continuous breaches of a sexual harm order. He was observed in a park designated for children and around a local high school, raising significant concerns about his behaviour. Flavin’s refusal to engage with court proceedings, including prison video links, proved his lack of remorse for his actions. 

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters condemned Flavin’s predatory behaviour, remarking on the disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that had characterised his life. “You have spent a lifetime grooming and abusing boys, even at this age. I heard that the victim has been having nightmares about it all and refusing to leave his bedroom at night. That is the effect on young impressionable children. It’s wicked behaviour, and it’s not the first time you engaged in this,” he said.

Flavin’s extensive criminal record revealed 33 prior offences, 27 of which were sexual in nature. Judge Geraint Walters noted that despite previous long sentences, including one exceeding 50 months, Flavin had “learnt nothing” and continued his abusive behaviour. “You claimed that you’re the victim. The reality is you’re committed to behaving in this way,”

In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Walters concluded, ordering the sentence as a measure to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.