News

Neyland Town Council faces investigation for conspiracy to defraud

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2023

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is currently under investigation for alleged conspiracy to defraud after a whistle-blower produced emails revealing the existence of a secretive group within the council, The Pembrokeshire Herald understands. The group, described as a “toxic clique,” is suspected of holding multiple secret meetings with the purpose of excluding two council members from office, namely deputy mayor Cllr Steve Thomas and Cllr Brian Rothero.

The gravity of the situation will likely lead to Audit Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police likely being contacted soon, with a view of them being requestde to launch investigations into Neyland Town Council. The allegations emerged after an official recording of a previous full council meeting revealed discussions about preventing Cllr Rothero from rejoining the council following his resignation several years ago.

The council’s clerk, Vanessa Walker, was unaware that the recorder was still running and believed the conversation was off the record. However, an email she later sent to former chair Cllr Mike Harry and several other council members, including Cllrs Ashley Phelan, Ellen Phelan, Peter Hay, Andrew Lye, and Angela Radice, disclosed her actions. In the email, she admitted to editing the recording using free software to remove the discussion about Cllr Rothero, stating that she believed this edit was justified as the recording should only cover the meeting’s duration.

Cllr Brian Rothero raised concerns about the council’s questionable position during a recent meeting. He claimed that Cllr Angela Radice had provided him with 35 emails, which shed light on the secretive nature of the council’s operations. Rothero emphasised the importance of transparency in council affairs and condemned the morally unscrupulous and dishonest contents of the emails. He called for an investigation into whether the clerk had tampered with an official government document and whether any criminal intent was involved. Rothero also highlighted that the emails were only shared with a select group of five councillors, despite there being a total of 11 on the council.

The emails allegedly encouraged the group of five councillors to align their positions while displaying a dismissive attitude towards the remaining councillors. Cllr Mike Harry, one of the members of the secretive group, was quoted in one email as saying, “We don’t need to kiss their arses” when referring to the other councillors.

Deputy mayor Cllr Steve Thomas expressed his dismay at the illegal meetings and disgraceful comments made by the secretive group. Cllr David Devauden also criticised their conduct, stating that illegal acts had taken place behind the backs of other council members.

However, Cllr Peter Hay questioned the allegations, asking why the group couldn’t meet if they wished to do so.

The matter will be further discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of Neyland Town Council on Wednesday, 14th June. In the meantime, the investigations by Audit Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police, if initiated, will be expected to shed more light on the allegations and determine the council’s legal standing in this contentious issue.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.