News

Neyland accused of restricting transparency over meeting recordings

Published

10 months ago

March 1, 2025

Controversial policy changes to be debated on Monday (Mar 3)

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is facing allegations of secrecy after proposals to change its Recording of Meetings Policy sparked concern among some councillors. The changes, set to be debated at the Full Council meeting on Monday (Mar 3), could restrict access to meeting recordings for councillors, the public, and even external agencies.

Cllr Steve Thomas, who originally wrote the council’s existing policy in 2023, claims the proposed amendments could “open the door to abuse of power” by limiting who can access recordings of council meetings. He says the new rules would make it harder for councillors and residents to scrutinise decisions, and even external bodies such as Audit Wales and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales could find it more difficult to obtain recordings.

However, Town Clerk Libby Matthews has denied these claims, insisting that the changes are necessary to bring the policy in line with the council’s Standing Orders, which govern how the council operates. She has also accused some councillors of using recordings in a “vindictive manner” rather than for legitimate purposes.

The upcoming vote on the policy has deepened divisions within the council, with some members questioning the motives behind the proposed changes.

Changes under fire

According to Cllr Thomas, the proposed amendments would:

Prevent councillors from automatically receiving meeting recordings – access would require a vote at the following council meeting, potentially delaying access for up to two months.
Restrict members of the public from easily obtaining recordings, with the Clerk having the power to refuse requests if deemed “vexatious.”
Limit external agencies’ ability to obtain recordings, making it more difficult for bodies such as Audit Wales and the Public Services Ombudsman to investigate complaints.
Allow councillors to vote against recording meetings altogether, raising concerns that controversial discussions could be kept off the record.

Cllr Thomas has raised the alarm that these changes “must not be accepted,” calling them “a backwards step away from transparency.”

“What exactly are those currently running the council afraid of?” he asked. “What are they trying to hide? Who are they trying to protect?”

Clerk defends changes, claims policy was misused

In response, Town Clerk Libby Matthews has defended the proposals, stating that they are necessary to correct contradictions between the recording policy and the council’s Standing Orders.

“The reason for the proposed amendments is that the current policy directly contradicts the Standing Orders of Neyland Town Council,” she told The Pembrokeshire Herald. “I have been tasked by Council to review and amend the policy to ensure it complies.”

Matthews also denied that external agencies, such as the Ombudsman, would have restricted access.

“To the contrary, I have reworded the policy to clarify that external bodies are the only ones with automatic access to recordings,” she said.

She also defended restrictions on councillors’ access to recordings, stating that councillors should be treated the same as members of the public when requesting them.

Furthermore, Matthews claimed that recordings had been used in a ‘vindictive manner’ by councillors, arguing that the policy was originally introduced to help with accurate minute-taking rather than to serve as a tool for scrutiny.

“The only legal record of a council meeting is the minutes,” she said. “No other council records meetings, and there is no law stating that they must.”

Councillors denied access to recordings

Matthews also confirmed that recent requests from councillors for meeting recordings have been refused.

Cllrs Steve Thomas, Brian Rothero, and David Devauden have all requested recordings in the past six months, but their requests were denied due to a formal vote by the council stating that no recordings would be released until the policy aligns with Standing Orders.

However, she insisted that requests from external agencies, such as the Ombudsman, had not been refused and had been granted when asked.

Transparency concerns remain

Despite the Clerk’s reassurances, critics argue that the proposed changes could shield controversial decisions from scrutiny.

Cllr Thomas has also questioned why the council is prioritising restricting access to recordings rather than improving public access to meetings.

“They have no interest in those with visual impairments who cannot read minutes, or those who cannot attend meetings,” he said.

The final decision on the Recording of Meetings Policy will be made at the Full Council meeting on Monday (Mar 3), where councillors will vote on whether to approve or revise the proposed changes.

Cllr Thomas: “An absolute load of nonsense”

Following the Clerk’s comments, Cllr Steve Thomas has hit back, accusing the council of deliberately trying to suppress scrutiny and misrepresenting the changes.

“The Clerk was not tasked with amending the policy,” he told The Pembrokeshire Herald. “She was tasked with looking at any contradictions with the Standing Orders. A specific decision has been made to throw the policy to the fire, rather than make two small amendments to the Standing Orders.”

He argues that the Standing Orders are outdated, and that the more recent recording policy should take precedence.

“The opening line of the policy that I wrote says ‘Neyland Town Council believe in openness, transparency and accountability…’ That couldn’t be further from the truth now.”

Cllr Thomas also challenged the Clerk’s claim that external agencies would still have automatic access to recordings.

“Miss Matthews stating that ‘external bodies are the only ones with automatic access to recordings’ is a complete falsehood,” he said.

He pointed out that the wording of the policy had been altered to restrict requests to those with a ‘particular reference to council procedures’, which could exclude investigations into councillor conduct.

On the issue of treating councillors and members of the public the same, Cllr Thomas said:

“I absolutely agree with Miss Matthews’ view that councillors and the public should be treated the same. However, my view differs in that I believe that ANYONE requesting a recording should be provided with one, rather than making it more difficult.”

Why block access to a finance meeting?

Cllr Thomas also disputed the claim that the council had voted to block access to all meeting recordings.

“Ms Matthews is incorrect in stating that, as a result of a vote in Council, no recordings would be released,” he said. “The vote, which took place in September 2024, was to delay releasing a recording of an August 2024 Finance Meeting until further advice was sought. The motion was proposed by Cllr Mike Harry and seconded by Cllr Ashleigh Phelan, and passed by a 6-3 vote. Cllr Thomas, who had requested the recording, opposed the delay, arguing that it was an attempt to prevent scrutiny.”

He also questioned why access to a finance meeting recording was blocked, saying: “Why they did not want me to have access to a recording of a finance meeting is very concerning, and this must raise alarm bells for what the future holds,” he said.

Cllr Thomas concluded by slamming the council’s attempt to suppress scrutiny, saying: “This blatant attempt to remove scrutiny of council decisions really is quite shocking.”

The Pembrokeshire Herald will be attending the Full Council meeting on Monday (Mar 3) and will continue to report on developments.

This article was updated at 1820 HRS on March 1, 2025 to include Cllr Thomas’ response to the Town Clerks remarks

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

10 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

10 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

11 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.