News

Neyland council accused of running ‘roughshod’ as public anger erupts

Published

10 months ago

March 5, 2025

TENSIONS ran high at Neyland Town Council’s latest meeting on Monday (Mar 3) as members of the public clashed with councillors over calls for resignations, concerns about procedural irregularities, and accusations of the council being run “roughshod.”

Co-option controversy

The meeting began with the announcement of the co-option of new councillor Donna Matthews, the mother of Town Clerk Libby Matthews.

Mayor Peter Hay welcomed her to the council, but Cllr Steve Thomas immediately challenged the decision, arguing that it should not have been decided behind closed doors.

“This is not something that could be decided privately—the whole council should have voted on it,” said Cllr Thomas.

Mayor Hay dismissed the objection, stating: “That’s not how co-option has been done in the past.”

Cllr Thomas warned that “proper procedures should be followed” or the appointment “may not be lawful” and could “invalidate the entire meeting.”

The controversy was further heightened by the absence of Town Clerk Libby Matthews. It later emerged that she had taken sick leave due to the ongoing tensions within the council. In an emotional email sent on the morning of the meeting, she accused certain councillors of relentless bullying and harassment, stating that she could no longer endure the pressure and had to prioritise her mental health. She described feeling “forced under a horrible, nasty, abusive spotlight” and said she was taking at least a month’s leave, with the possibility of extending it if the council’s situation did not improve.

Background: Co-option process under scrutiny

The co-option of Donna Matthews follows a contentious decision made at a closed-door meeting on February 19, when the council appointed her without public scrutiny. The move led to accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency. Leaked emails suggested that at least one other valid candidate, Mr. Dickson, had been ignored despite applying, while Clerk Libby Matthews failed to acknowledge his candidacy. The decision triggered community outrage, with many questioning the ethical standards of the council’s leadership.

Petition to remove councillor ignored

The meeting became heated when members of the public were invited to speak.

One attendee directly asked Cllr Mike Harry if anything had been done about a petition demanding his resignation. Several councillors questioned why the petition had not been included on the agenda. Mayor Hay admitted he had not looked into it, saying: “I am very sorry, I have been very busy dealing with the Burial Board.”

The response did not satisfy the public, with one frustrated attendee shouting: “This council has been run roughshod, and it’s the people of Neyland that are the most important!”

Another resident confronted Cllr Harry over comments he allegedly made about local residents.

“Is Cllr Harry going to apologise for his actions? We know what he said—‘The degenerates of the Forrester’s Bar and their cronies.’”

Appearing flustered, Cllr Harry denied the accusation, saying: “I was referring to only three people and not six… The email I sent was read in a certain way and was not factual. Now, let’s move on.”

Cllr Steve Thomas pushed back: “Do not be so aggressive to members of the public—he wants to move on… why?”

Cllr Harry, growing visibly frustrated, responded: “We want to do things as a council for the people of Neyland and not keep talking about this nonsense!”

Mayor under fire for rejecting extraordinary meetings

The Mayor also faced intense criticism over his handling of requests for two extraordinary meetings.

Cllr David Devauden accused him of disregarding the legitimacy of these meetings, shouting: “You are lying!”

Cllr Brian Rothero also raised concerns: “We have had no documentation!”

Mayor Hay defended his stance, stating: “Look, the meeting was not legitimate. I will look into this again when I get a chance.”

His next remark, however, drew further outrage.

“I don’t look at my emails if they are from certain councillors,” he admitted.

This prompted anger from the public, with attendees calling for his resignation.

“You’re not working for the good of the town,” one person shouted.

Another resident declared: “As a taxpayer in this town, you lot should all hand your resignations in, and we should get a new council voted in.”

Their comment was met with applause.

Mayor: “I am popular in the town”

Despite the calls for his resignation, Mayor Hay insisted that he had local support.

“I have had many people come out to support me,” he said. “We are doing the best we can.”

Tensions continued to rise as Cllr Devauden pointed at the Mayor and angrily shouted: “RESIGN!”

A member of the public joined in, addressing Cllr Devauden in particular, saying: “That counts for you all!”

As councillors attempted to restore order, Cllr Steve Thomas defended the right of the public to express their frustrations, saying: “I think the public have important things to say and should be heard.”

Cllr. Ellen Phelan, who was taking notes in the clerk’s absence dismissed this, stating: “That’s not how we do things.”

At that point some members of the public stood up and walked out, seemingly fed up with their local representatives.

Key council decisions

Despite the heated exchanges, councillors proceeded with the agenda:

Councillors will now be allowed to record meetings, provided they inform others in advance.
The council will consider publishing all meeting recordings on its website, following a request from Cllr Harry.
A planned visit from 50 French schoolchildren was discussed.
The ongoing issues with council telephone lines, which have reportedly persisted since 2023, were raised again.
The council agreed to invite the Police and Crime Commissioner to attend a future meeting to discuss local crime concerns raised by Cllr Harry.
The council resolved not to re-add Cllr Steve Thomas to the bank mandate.
Councillors debated the future of the monthly telephone agreement, following a proposal by Cllr Steve Thomas.
The disbandment of the Christmas Working Group was discussed.
The council heard about plans for the Sanguinet Committee, VE-Day, and Easter celebrations, led by Cllr P Hay.
The fireworks display, which last year made a loss of £500, was discussed.
The council discussed adopting the defibrillator in the changing rooms of the Athletic Clubs.

What’s next?

The controversy surrounding Neyland Town Council is far from over. With tensions running high, calls for resignations growing louder, and disputes over procedural issues continuing, it remains to be seen how the council will respond to the mounting criticism.

Following concerns raised by Neyland Town Clerk Libby Matthews, who did not attend the meeting, The Herald has reviewed certain claims regarding the co-option process and the council’s telephone contract. Ms. Matthews states that all councillors were invited to attend the co-option and that the telephone line has been operational for months. However, concerns from some councillors about transparency remain.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to follow developments.

The Hub, Neyland

Crime

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

Published

8 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

8 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

8 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.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.