News

Town council’s credibility has ‘gone down the pan’ following recording error in open meeting

Published

3 years ago

April 25, 2023

UNLESS a town council changes its approach to public meetings, it’s going to die on its feet.

This was the stark message dealt to Neyland Town Council chairman Mike Harry this week after a recording from their January meeting was played to councillors.

During the recording, members can be heard discussing whether or not to accept town resident Brian Rothero back onto the council, following a disagreement between him and Cllr Harry several years ago.

Following their six-minute discussion, the town clerk – Vanessa Walker – can be heard telling members that their conversation was not being recorded.

“I do not record conversations like this” she is heard telling members. “They are not part of the town council minutes. They are not minuted and should not be recorded.”

But at Monday’s meeting, councillors were played the conversation in its entirety after a copy of the recording had been acquired by Cllr Brian Rothero.

“Having meetings like that where you discuss things behind people’s backs is disgusting,” he said.

“But if that is the way the council is going to go, it’s going to die on its feet.”

Cllr Rothero went on to condemn the members for belittling his character in an open council meeting.

“You had an open meeting, you believed the mic was turned off, and you discussed me in a demeaning and a slanderous manner.

“I joined the council for one reason, like you all have. And that is to benefit, help and promote the town. What I don’t appreciate is being talked about at a council meeting when you assume that the microphone has been switched off.

“The credibility of this council is all about being honest and transparent. But as a result of that conversation, your credibility has gone down the pan.”

After listening to Cllr Rothero’s comments, chairman Mike Harry agreed to wipe the slate clean.

“I didn’t say anything in that meeting that wasn’t factual but yes, it was pretty unpleasant, and you and I have a history.

“ But as far as I’m concerned I’m quite happy to wipe the slate clean. Let’s forget the past. I’ve got no problem in moving forward.”

Cllr Harry’s comments were accepted by Cllr Rothero.

“The council has agreed to record each of its open meetings so that they can go out into the public domain,” he said.

“We now need to turn everything around and get this council up and running again. But if I ever hear anything like this happening again, I shan’t condone it.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.