News

Neyland Town Council faces fresh turmoil as Mayor cancels meeting

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2024

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.

Community

Welsh areas dominate UK’s safest places for children to play outdoors

Published

16 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHENSHIRE has been ranked among the safest places in the UK for children to play outside, according to new research analysing child safety across Britain.

The county placed sixth overall, with a child safety score of 7.74 out of ten, as Welsh areas dominated the top ten rankings.

The study, carried out by outdoor play equipment specialists Outdoortoys, examined a range of factors including road safety, access to parks, levels of antisocial behaviour, and population density of children.

Nine of the top ten safest areas for outdoor play were found to be in Wales.

The Vale of Glamorgan ranked first overall with a score of 8.33, followed by Monmouthshire and Ceredigion in second and third place respectively.

Pembrokeshire also featured prominently, ranking fifth with a score of 7.89.

The research found that Carmarthenshire benefits from relatively low pedestrian casualty rates, good access to parks and playgrounds, and a high proportion of urban roads with 20mph speed limits.

Across Wales, lower population density and widespread 20mph zones were identified as key factors contributing to safer outdoor environments for children.

The report also highlighted stark contrasts with more densely populated urban areas, where higher traffic levels, increased antisocial behaviour, and fewer accessible play spaces contributed to lower safety scores.

Stoke-on-Trent was identified as the least safe area in the UK for outdoor play, with significantly fewer 20mph roads and higher risk factors overall.

The study also found that Gwynedd has the highest number of parks and playgrounds per child anywhere in the UK.

Alex Price, a product expert at Outdoortoys, said: “Outdoor play is essential for children’s physical health, social development and confidence. When parents feel it is unsafe for children to play outside, it limits their independence and development.

“Creating safe environments, whether in public spaces or at home, is vital to ensuring children have the freedom to play, explore and grow.”

The findings come amid ongoing concerns about road safety and rising traffic levels, which campaigners say are making it increasingly difficult for children to play outdoors freely.

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

19 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

News

Extra help for heating oil as costs continue to rise

Published

26 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Government boosts support for off-grid households facing financial pressure

EXTRA support is being made available to households in Wales struggling with the rising cost of heating oil, the Welsh Government has announced today (Wednesday, March 18).

The funding increase comes as many families—particularly those living off the gas grid—continue to face significant cost-of-living pressures.

Support is already available through the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF), which helps people in financial crisis contribute towards essential costs, including off-grid fuel such as heating oil. The scheme is open to anyone aged over sixteen living in Wales who is experiencing an unexpected financial emergency.

The Welsh Government has now confirmed that the maximum payment for heating oil will be temporarily increased from £500 to £750 while prices remain high.

In addition, the number of times households can receive support has been increased. Payments can now be made twice within a rolling twelve-month period, provided there is a minimum gap of three months between awards. Previously, support was limited to a single payment.

The change recognises that some households who received help earlier in the winter may still be struggling as high prices persist.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt said: “With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing uncertainty across global markets, we recognise that many people are struggling with the cost of living, particularly households who rely on oil for their domestic heating and hot water.

“We welcome the UK Government’s announcement of £3.8 million for Wales in 2026-27 and are considering how best to deploy it.

“Today’s announcement will provide immediate extra help for those in greatest need to deal with the rise in oil prices.”

The Welsh Government said the Discretionary Assistance Fund remains one of several schemes aimed at supporting people with rising living costs.

Applications for off-grid fuel support must be made through DAF partners, including local authorities.

Anyone struggling financially is encouraged to contact AdviceLink Cymru’s ‘Claim What’s Yours’ helpline on 0800 702 2020, or visit their website for free, independent advice on available support.