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Neyland Town Council faces investigation for conspiracy to defraud

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NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is currently under investigation for alleged conspiracy to defraud after a whistle-blower produced emails revealing the existence of a secretive group within the council, The Pembrokeshire Herald understands. The group, described as a “toxic clique,” is suspected of holding multiple secret meetings with the purpose of excluding two council members from office, namely deputy mayor Cllr Steve Thomas and Cllr Brian Rothero.

The gravity of the situation will likely lead to Audit Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police likely being contacted soon, with a view of them being requestde to launch investigations into Neyland Town Council. The allegations emerged after an official recording of a previous full council meeting revealed discussions about preventing Cllr Rothero from rejoining the council following his resignation several years ago.

The council’s clerk, Vanessa Walker, was unaware that the recorder was still running and believed the conversation was off the record. However, an email she later sent to former chair Cllr Mike Harry and several other council members, including Cllrs Ashley Phelan, Ellen Phelan, Peter Hay, Andrew Lye, and Angela Radice, disclosed her actions. In the email, she admitted to editing the recording using free software to remove the discussion about Cllr Rothero, stating that she believed this edit was justified as the recording should only cover the meeting’s duration.

Cllr Brian Rothero raised concerns about the council’s questionable position during a recent meeting. He claimed that Cllr Angela Radice had provided him with 35 emails, which shed light on the secretive nature of the council’s operations. Rothero emphasised the importance of transparency in council affairs and condemned the morally unscrupulous and dishonest contents of the emails. He called for an investigation into whether the clerk had tampered with an official government document and whether any criminal intent was involved. Rothero also highlighted that the emails were only shared with a select group of five councillors, despite there being a total of 11 on the council.

The emails allegedly encouraged the group of five councillors to align their positions while displaying a dismissive attitude towards the remaining councillors. Cllr Mike Harry, one of the members of the secretive group, was quoted in one email as saying, “We don’t need to kiss their arses” when referring to the other councillors.

Deputy mayor Cllr Steve Thomas expressed his dismay at the illegal meetings and disgraceful comments made by the secretive group. Cllr David Devauden also criticised their conduct, stating that illegal acts had taken place behind the backs of other council members.

However, Cllr Peter Hay questioned the allegations, asking why the group couldn’t meet if they wished to do so.

The matter will be further discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of Neyland Town Council on Wednesday, 14th June. In the meantime, the investigations by Audit Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police, if initiated, will be expected to shed more light on the allegations and determine the council’s legal standing in this contentious issue.

Community

Help shape flood prevention plans in Pembrokeshire

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking public feedback on how it manages flood risk across the County.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires Local Authorities to publish their local flood risk management strategy and flood risk management plans and request feedback from local residents.

A public consultation will help identify local knowledge about flood-prone areas, historical flooding events, and community-specific vulnerabilities.

Local residents and stakeholders can often possess unique insights about their areas that can contribute to the development of an effective flood strategy.

The consultation will allow the public to understand the rationale behind proposed measures, the potential impacts, and the overall strategy.

It will also provide information regarding flood protection measures, early warning systems, emergency response plans, and evacuation procedures.

By increasing public awareness, communities become better prepared and more resilient to floods.

More details of the consultation is available online.

You can give your views by completing the online response form.

If you would like a paper copy please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or email [email protected]

Please complete the survey by Monday 17th March.

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Welsh Conservatives to force Senedd vote on grooming gangs inquiry

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CALLS FOR WALES-WIDE INVESTIGATION INTO CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES are set to force a vote in the Senedd next Wednesday (Feb 12) on commissioning a Wales-wide independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.

Campaigners and politicians have raised concerns that the full extent of the issue remains unknown, despite evidence of grooming gang activity across Wales.

Emily Vaughn, a campaigner who has spoken publicly about her experience of being trafficked and exploited in Wales, has launched a petition urging the Welsh Government to act.

She said: “I was a victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, and I know this practice is more widespread than the authorities acknowledge. The Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to establish the scale of the problem and support victims in Wales.”

‘NO STONE UNTURNED’

Darren Millar MS

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS, speaking ahead of the debate, said: “There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales, but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.

“We owe it to brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“Simply accepting assurances from the police and councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough. Only a Wales-wide inquiry will ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves and that our children are protected from predatory behaviour.”

POLITICAL UNITY NEEDED

The motion, set to be debated in the Senedd, urges cross-party support for victims of abuse and calls on the Welsh Government to take decisive action.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Social Justice, Altaf Hussain MS, added:

“It is abundantly clear that more must be done to combat sexual violence, domestic abuse, and misogyny.

“We have a duty under international law to tackle sexual violence and support the boys and girls preyed upon by grooming gangs.

“Next week, I will open this vitally important debate, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

The motion to be debated states:

“The Senedd calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”

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£8.2 million for Port Talbot regeneration—what it means for West Wales

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THE FIRST of Port Talbot’s growth and regeneration projects is set to receive £8.2 million from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the local economy.

This investment is expected to support over 100 jobs and ultimately contribute more than £87 million to the South Wales economy. To date, the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has allocated £51 million into the local community, with further projects anticipated.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, chairing the latest Transition Board meeting today (February 6), will announce that £8.2 million will be directed to the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH). This initiative will redevelop a four-acre site at Harbourside, Port Talbot, incorporating new shared space, flood mitigation measures, and specialist equipment. The investment aims to establish an Innovation District that will assist the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions. The facility is projected to generate and sustain over 100 jobs while bolstering the South Wales economy by £87 million.

This funding is part of the UK Government’s £80 million Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund, which has already allocated £51 million since July. The latest announcement is the first targeted at regional growth and regeneration, with up to £30 million more expected to be invested in similar projects in the coming months.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Port Talbot’s community through Tata Steel’s transition.

“We said we would back the community of Port Talbot through Tata Steel’s transition, and we continue to do exactly that,” she said. “In just six months, over £50 million has been announced to support individual steelworkers, their families, and businesses in the supply chain. Now, we are investing in a major regeneration project for the town.”

She added that millions more in funding will follow, ensuring continued support for steel communities amid ongoing industrial changes.

The Secretary of State also confirmed efforts to enhance mental health and well-being services, with funding details to be announced at the next Transition Board meeting. The initiative will focus on community cohesion, well-being programs, and peer support networks, including partnerships with local organizations.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning Rebecca Evans welcomed the funding, stating, “This announcement builds on investments unlocked through the recent Celtic Freeport and other initiatives we are supporting in and around Port Talbot. Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue to provide opportunities for growth while ensuring support for those impacted by Tata Steel’s changes.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, also praised the investment, noting its role in attracting jobs and industry to the region: “The SWITCH project will build on our area’s longstanding expertise in the steel and metals industries, helping to address modern challenges and secure future employment.”

Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “SWITCH will strengthen Swansea University’s role in uniting academia, industry, and government. This investment will make Welsh research and innovation more accessible to businesses and help stimulate long-term economic growth.”

The SWITCH project, dedicated to industrial decarbonization, will establish a permanent base at Harbourside, adding to its existing £20 million funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal, which also benefits from UK Government support.

What this means for West Wales

This initiative aligns with broader regional development strategies, including the Celtic Freeport, which links Port Talbot and Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. The Celtic Freeport, which received approval for its full business case in October 2024, aims to attract investment into low-carbon energy projects, create jobs, and contribute significantly to South Wales’ economic transition.

Key connections between the initiatives include:

  • Regional economic impact: The Celtic Freeport is projected to generate £900 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2030 and £13 billion by 2050, complementing the Port Talbot project’s goal of injecting £87 million into the South Wales economy.
  • Decarbonization focus: The SWITCH project will support the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Celtic Freeport’s emphasis on low-carbon technologies, including floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
  • Investment and innovation: The Celtic Freeport aims to attract £3.5 billion in investment for the hydrogen sector, while the Port Talbot Innovation District will serve as a hub for industrial research and development.
  • Government backing: Both projects receive support from the UK and Welsh governments, reflecting a coordinated effort to foster economic regeneration.
  • Energy transition: With Milford Haven already processing around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, both initiatives contribute to the country’s broader shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

By linking these initiatives, stakeholders can emphasize a holistic approach to economic regeneration, decarbonization, and job creation across South Wales, ensuring a sustainable future for communities from Port Talbot to Milford Haven.

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