News

Explosive email leak reveals deepening crisis in Neyland Town Council

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

THE TURMOIL within Neyland Town Council has taken a dramatic turn following the leak of an explosive email chain exposing bitter infighting, accusations of bullying, and allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of local government. The emails, exchanged between councillors and the town clerk, reveal a toxic atmosphere of hostility and personal attacks, further calling into question the ability of the council to function effectively.

Shocking accusations emerge

The leaked emails showcase a series of heated exchanges between Cllr Steve Thomas, Town Clerk Libby Matthews, and other members of the council, including Cllrs Brian Rothero and Ellen Phelan. In one of the most explosive messages, Matthews directly accuses Thomas of causing “trouble and destruction wherever you go,” and calls his actions “selfish and disgusting.”

The emails also contain deeply personal attacks, with one councillor being accused of narcissism and others being labelled as bullies. Matthews, in an emotionally charged statement, alleges that the behaviour of certain councillors was so damaging that it led to a period of severe personal distress. She claims she was subjected to relentless criticism and had considered resigning as a result of the hostile environment.

Allegations of mockery and intimidation

The controversy escalates further with allegations from Cllr Thomas that he has been mocked. He accuses Cllr Mike Harry of making derogatory comments and another councillor of saying they would be “happy to see him jump off the Cleddau Bridge.” These claims, if proven, could have serious consequences for those involved.

Cllr Thomas also claims that repeated complaints about mistreatment have been ignored, further intensifying concerns about governance within the council. In one email, he argues that the misuse of council social media to target individuals has exacerbated the toxic culture, accusing the leadership of abusing its position of power.

Battle over legitimacy and power

Another core issue exposed in the emails is the battle over council procedures and the legitimacy of recent meetings. Cllrs Rothero and Thomas insist that previous Extraordinary Meetings were called lawfully, while Matthews and her allies dismiss them as invalid. The emails reveal a power struggle over who has the authority to set the agenda and whether certain councillors are being deliberately shut out of decision-making.

In one particularly scathing email, Matthews refuses to acknowledge Cllr Thomas as a legitimate member of the council, stating, “I am not your clerk. I will not be forced into contact with my abusers anymore.” Such a statement highlights the severity of the fractures within the council and raises concerns over how governance is being handled in Neyland.

The impact on Neyland residents

With the ongoing disputes consuming the council, residents of Neyland are left wondering whether their representatives are capable of focusing on local issues. The email chain suggests that council meetings have become battlegrounds for personal vendettas rather than forums for addressing community needs.

The financial struggles of Neyland CIC, a community interest company that has reportedly lost £82,000, were mentioned in the exchanges but appear to have been sidelined by the ongoing personal feuds. The legitimacy of upcoming council meetings, including the scheduled Ordinary Meeting on February 3, is also in question as tensions continue to escalate.

Calls for intervention

As the email scandal unfolds, there are increasing calls for an external investigation into Neyland Town Council’s operations. Some residents and councillors are demanding that the Pembrokeshire County Council Monitoring Officer step in to assess whether governance rules have been broken and if any members should face disciplinary action.

One thing is clear—Neyland Town Council is in crisis. The leaked emails have lifted the lid on an institution plagued by division, hostility, and a total breakdown in communication. Whether the council can recover from this latest scandal remains to be seen, but the damage to its reputation may take years to repair.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.