Local Government

Clerk blasts Neyland councillors over lack of action in leaked email

Published

5 months ago

October 4, 2025

Leaked correspondence lays bare growing rift at Neyland Town Council

A LEAKED internal email has exposed deep divisions within Neyland Town Council, with the Town Clerk accusing councillors of failing to take responsibility for community projects and leaving her to shoulder the workload alone.

***Neyland’s town clerk: Libby Matthews***

The message, written by Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer Libby Matthews, was sent on September 30 ahead of the council’s October 6 meeting. It has since circulated among councillors and former members, prompting sharp criticism and renewed scrutiny of relations inside the authority.

‘An impossible standard’

In the leaked email, obtained by The Herald, Ms Matthews apologised if her tone seemed “harsh” but said there was “no other way to really say it”.

She wrote: “I find it quite disappointing that there have only been suggestions given from two Members of Council – being Councillors, there should be ideas flowing on how to help our community.”

“It is an impossible standard,” she continued, “to agree for multiple projects to be voted through and then landed on my desk to lead them all, on top of my already heavy workload and many projects, events, accounts, legal and training I am already undertaking.”

The clerk reminded members that by signing their Acceptance of Office “you are making a commitment to be proactive in our community.”

“A Clerk works in the background and completes management, legalities, administration, advertising, accounting, accountability etc,” she added. “It should not be expected of me to lead, handle and complete every project the Council agrees on, independently.”

Few ideas submitted

The email accompanied a document titled Council Suggestions for a 12-Month Plan, listing only six proposals — three from Cllr Mike Harry and three from Cllr Ashleigh Phelan.
Ideas included creating an allotments committee, improving social-media use, building stronger links with the police and county council, running a public priorities survey, improving signage, and reviving Neyland’s market day or Brunel Festival.

No other councillors had submitted contributions.

Ms Matthews contrasted Neyland’s approach with nearby councils.

She wrote: “Speaking to surrounding Clerks, Council members from neighbouring authorities are incredibly proactive within their communities. Examples being: Llanstadwell Councillors on rotation cleaning and maintaining their park equipment, Milford Haven Councillors maintaining the Rath pool, and Haverfordwest Town Councillors creating their own projects and leading with them.”

She added: “Thus far, as a whole (aside from Cllr Hay), all decisions are made within Council and then passed along to my desk, with no further input or assistance. I’m desperately trying to push Council forward, but I cannot do it alone.”

A history of conflict

Neyland Town Council has seen a steady stream of complaints, resignations and procedural rows in recent years.
Meetings are frequently described by attendees as tense and unproductive, with arguments over minutes, votes and code-of-conduct issues often overshadowing ordinary business.

One former councillor told The Herald: “Neyland has so many people who care deeply about the town, but the council’s reputation has been badly damaged. Everything seems to end in confrontation.”

The latest row follows years of tension and disciplinary issues within Neyland Town Council.

Earlier this year, The Herald reported that an Ombudsman investigation into alleged bullying of the clerk was discontinued after the councillor concerned resigned. The Ombudsman’s report cited “poor behaviour over a substantial period of time”.

Two other former councillors members – Cllr Brian Rothero and Cllr David Devauden – are currently before the Adjudication Panel for Wales over alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct, including failure to show respect and bringing the council into disrepute. A hearing date has not yet been confirmed.

Residents have repeatedly told The Herald they are concerned about “constant disputes” and a lack of progress on projects.

The clerk’s role

Under local-government law, a town-council clerk is the statutory officer responsible for implementing decisions, managing finances and ensuring legal compliance – but not normally expected to lead community projects.

Ms Matthews’ email suggests she believes councillors have blurred that line, leaving her to handle both administration and project leadership.

Her call for members to form working groups mirrors the approach taken by other town councils, where councillors themselves lead initiatives under the clerk’s guidance.

The Herald understands some councillors have privately suggested bringing in external mediation to rebuild trust.

One senior figure familiar with the situation said: “There’s been a breakdown on both sides. The clerk feels undermined; some councillors feel lectured. It’s not sustainable.”

The same source said the leak may prompt formal discussion about conduct and confidentiality.

Public frustration

Residents told The Herald they are weary of the infighting.

At last year’s public meeting about the town’s events calendar, several attendees asked why plans for new signage, environmental clean-ups and the Brunel Festival revival had stalled.

One resident said: “All we ever hear about are rows and resignations. What we want is a council that gets things done.”

While Neyland Town Council regularly posts community updates online, it provides little detail about internal disputes or ongoing investigations.

Neighbouring authorities such as Milford Haven and Haverfordwest routinely publish project reports and minutes within days of meetings – a contrast noted by Ms Matthews in her email.

The council is due to meet on Monday (Oct 6) to discuss the 12-month plan and members’ responsibilities.
The Herald understands the agenda includes an item titled Council Work Plan and Member Responsibilities, reflecting the clerk’s request for councillors to take ownership of projects.

It remains unclear whether the email leak itself will be addressed.

A pattern of strained relations

This is not the first controversy to hit Neyland Town Council. In 2023, members clashed over communications policy and community-hub bookings, leading to a temporary halt on events. The clerk also took a period of stress-related leave that year before returning to post.

Observers say the repeated disputes have left the small authority struggling to maintain focus.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Model Code of Conduct for Wales, councillors must treat others with respect and uphold the reputation of their office. Clerks, meanwhile, must ensure proper governance and provide impartial advice.

Guidance from One Voice Wales urges councils to “foster a culture of shared ownership” where elected members and staff “work collaboratively, recognising distinct but complementary responsibilities.”

What happens next

The outcome of Monday’s meeting may determine whether Neyland Town Council can move forward or faces further instability.

If councillors back the clerk’s call for more engagement, attention will turn to whether members deliver on their promises. If not, there could be renewed calls for external oversight.

Either way, the leak has reignited debate about transparency, accountability, and leadership in Neyland’s local government.

While the correspondence was intended as an internal management note, its contents highlight long-standing concerns about the council’s effectiveness and culture.

Repeated conduct complaints, resignations and the absence of a clear long-term plan suggest deeper governance issues.

As one observer told The Herald: “Neyland deserves better. The town needs leadership, not another row about who’s to blame.”

For now, the question posed by the clerk still stands: who will take responsibility for getting things done?

Local Government

Changes approved to final phase of Saundersfoot housing scheme

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Affordable housing proportion rises as apartment plans replaced with family homes

AMENDMENTS to the final phase of a housing development in Saundersfoot have been approved, reducing the overall number of homes while increasing the proportion of affordable properties on the site.

Morgan Construction (Wales) Limited, through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited, sought permission to reconfigure the third phase of a residential development at Whitlow, Narberth Road, Saundersfoot.

The application was recommended for approval and came before members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Development Management Committee at its March meeting.

The original scheme, granted permission in 2023 and already partly built, allowed for a total of 54 homes. Under the revised proposals the number will be reduced to 47.

A planning officer’s report explained that the development is being built in phases. Phase one consists of 16 market homes, while phase two includes 19 affordable properties.

The application concerned the final stage of the project, known as phase three.

Under the original consent, phase three would have delivered 19 one- and two-bedroom apartments located in the centre of the site. However, the revised plans replace those flats with a mix of houses.

The new layout will include two three-bedroom detached houses, three two-bedroom detached bungalows, four two-bedroom terraced townhouses and three three-bedroom terraced townhouses.

This change reduces the number of homes in phase three from 19 apartments to 12 houses.

Although the number of affordable homes across the development will remain unchanged, the reduction in market housing increases the proportion of affordable properties on the site from 35.1 per cent to 40.4 per cent.

The applicants told planners that demand for the previously approved apartments had been limited. They said there was already a considerable supply of such properties in the lower part of Saundersfoot, while demand locally appeared stronger for homes suited to young families and for older residents wishing to downsize into smaller bungalows.

The report added that without the changes the final phase of the development could remain unbuilt, leaving future residents living on a partially completed site.

Committee members agreed to grant delegated approval to planning officers, subject to the completion of legal agreements covering planning obligations.

These include provisions to secure the affordable housing in perpetuity, along with financial contributions towards library services, recreational open space and sustainable transport.

Local Government

Appeal after Tenby harbour RNLI building takeaway refused

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN APPEAL has been lodged against the refusal of plans for a takeaway food kiosk at a former lifeboat store in Tenby’s seaside harbour, despite planning officers recommending the scheme for approval.

Last March, members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority development management committee rejected proposals to site a takeaway food kiosk at the former RNLI lifeboat store at Penniless Cove, Tenby Harbour.

The application, submitted by Ruby Goodrick, sought permission to convert the old store into a takeaway cold food outlet operating seven days a week from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

The scheme came before councillors rather than being determined under delegated powers after Tenby Town Council objected to the proposal.

Despite the objection, planning officers recommended the scheme for approval, even though it represented a departure from the adopted development plan.

An officer report said: “Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed use would introduce a retail element to this area of the harbour, on balance officers consider that no significant harm would be caused to the character of Tenby Harbour as a result of this development.

“The use proposed occupies a relatively small floor area and would not be a destination in and of itself. Rather, it would rely on the existing footfall within the harbour.”

Speaking at the meeting in March (2025), Alistair McKay, representing Tenby Sailing Club, warned the proposal could create potential conflicts with other harbour users.

The applicant told councillors she was “more than happy” to adjust the proposed opening hours. Ms Goodrick said the business would build on the success of her mother’s former sandwich shop in the town, Truly Scrumptious.

The proposed outlet, called Truly@The Harbour, would “contribute positively to the local economy,” she said.

However, committee members raised concerns including congestion in the harbour area and the handling of waste.

Members eventually voted by 12 votes to three to refuse the application.

The applicant has now lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

In a statement supporting the appeal, Ms Goodrick said: “The proposal is modest in scale, does not harm the retail hierarchy, is in close proximity to the town centre, and has received no objections from the majority of the statutory consultees.”

The appeal statement adds that the refusal was based on the kiosk being outside the defined town centre boundary.

However, it argues that the building is located only around 25 metres outside the retail centre boundary and would otherwise represent a use considered acceptable within the town centre.

Community

Town hall takeover plan questioned as cost figures conflict

Published

23 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CONSULTATION DRAWS JUST 25 RESIDENTS AS RUNNING COST ESTIMATES VARY BY TENS OF THOUSANDS

THE PROPOSED transfer of Fishguard Town Hall to the town council has come under scrutiny after documents revealed conflicting estimates of the building’s running costs.

Freedom of Information responses and council documents suggest the historic building could cost tens of thousands of pounds a year to operate, raising questions about whether Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council can afford to take on responsibility for it.

Budget links tax rise to town hall plan

A budget report prepared by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council shows the authority planning £166,336 in spending for the 2025–26 financial year, an increase on the previous year.

Within the administration section of the proposed budget, the council confirms that £20,000 has been allocated towards the proposed Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The document also links a proposed 16 per cent increase in the council’s precept directly to the takeover proposal.

After two years with no increase due to the cost-of-living crisis, the report states the rise is “directly related to the proposed CAT of Fishguard Town Hall.”

The council plans to request a £147,070 precept for the coming year.

Dispute over running costs

However, debate over the plan has intensified after different figures emerged for the building’s running costs.

Pembrokeshire County Council has said the average annual cost of utilities — including gas, electricity, water and sewage — for the building over the past three years was between £25,000 and £30,000.

But other figures circulating locally suggest the costs may be far higher.

One estimate cited by residents claims energy bills alone could be around £47,000 a year.

Separate operational figures released through a county council Freedom of Information request indicate that when staffing, maintenance, utilities and business rates are included, the total cost of running the building could exceed £70,000 annually.

Consultation numbers raise questions

Consultation figures released by the Town Council also show relatively modest public engagement with the proposal.

According to the council, 25 people attended the public consultation meeting held at the Town Hall.

A further 93 paper survey responses and 17 online responses were submitted through the council’s consultation process.

The council has not yet published the draft business plan or energy survey relating to the building, stating the documents are still under review.

Transfer still undecided

The potential Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council to the town council has been under discussion since 2024, but the arrangement has not yet been formally agreed by either authority.

If the transfer goes ahead, responsibility for operating and maintaining the building would pass from the county council to Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

Supporters of the proposal say it would give the community greater control over the future of the historic building.

However, critics argue the long-term costs could place significant pressure on the town council’s finances.