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News

Milford Haven School to lose sixth form due to falling pupil numbers

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COUNCILLORS have today backed a recommendation to publish a Statutory Notice to remove the sixth form of Milford Haven School.

The move followed the governing body of Milford Haven School requesting the Council to consult on the removal of the sixth form due to declining pupil numbers, reduced curriculum options and provision not meeting the needs of learners.

The governing body described the move as ‘one of the most difficult decisions we have ever undertaken.’

In October last year Pembrokeshire County Council agreed for the Director for Children and Schools to undertake statutory consultation on the proposal to remove the sixth form.

County Councillors today considered the report following the period of consultation which showed an overwhelming show of support for maintaining the sixth form.

In total, 168 responses were received.

The report stated that the sixth form has played a significant role as part of the local community.

However, on the basis of the significant decline in sixth form population at the school over the last 10 years, it is clear that the support received as part of the consultation is not reflected in the actual numbers choosing to stay in the sixth form.

Analysis of learner numbers in the sixth form over the last 10 years shows a steady decline in numbers, equivalent to a 77% reduction, with just 46 learners as of January 2020.

Education watchdog Estyn said: “The proposal to close the sixth form at Milford Haven School and for pupils to attend other provision instead appears to be a reasonable way forward. It is Estyn’s view that this proposal is likely to at least maintain the current standards of education and provision in the area.”

By 30 votes to 22, Councillors backed the recommendation that the Director for Children and Schools be authorised to publish a Statutory Notice to effect a regulated alteration to Milford Haven School in order to remove its sixth form.

This will be followed a 28 day objection period. If objections are received an Objection report will be prepared.

As the proposal is one to remove sixth form provision it requires approval by Welsh Ministers.

Community

Carmarthenshire man missing in Thailand: Last seen on Phi Phi Island

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A 26-year-old man has been reported missing in Thailand after his family lost contact with him more than eight weeks ago.

Daniel Davies was last seen on March 13 on Phi Phi Island, a popular tourist destination in southern Thailand. He had been staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok prior to his disappearance.

A missing person report has been filed with Dyfed-Powys Police, and the case is now listed under reference number DP-20250329-215.

Daniel is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, with blonde hair and a beard. He also has tattoo sleeves on both arms.

Missing: Daniel Davies

Echoes of the Lost – a national missing persons initiative – has now joined the appeal alongside SARS Cymru, urging anyone with information to come forward. In a statement, they said: “Daniel, if you happen to see this post, please get in contact with your family. They are worried. If you wish to message us to pass information along, please feel free to do so.”

His aunt, Nicola Doran, has been sharing emotional appeals online, writing: “My nephew Daniel Davies, 26, from Llanelli – he’s gone missing in Bangkok, Thailand. He’s been reported and is now a missing person. No one has had any contact in weeks.”

Friends and family have been spreading the appeal across social media, hoping someone in Thailand may have seen him. One post reads: “Can all my mates out in Thailand, Bangkok area, please share this and keep eyes out for my lil’ kuzen – he’s been missing 8 weeks over there.”

Daniel’s disappearance has been reported to Thai police, and the UK Foreign Office is understood to be aware of the case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or calling 101, quoting reference DP-20250329-215.

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Farming

Nonsense to base farm funding on population, says union

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FARMERS in Wales have warned that changes to the way agricultural support is calculated could see them lose millions in future funding, as allocations move from a needs-based system to one based on population size.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has criticised the shift, branding the move “nonsense” and “concerning,” arguing it fails to reflect the reality that Wales has more farms per head than England.

Under the former EU model, funding was distributed based on need. However, from 2025-26, support for Welsh farmers will be included in the Welsh Government’s overall budget and determined by the Barnett formula—a population-based mechanism.

Guto Bebb, Chief Executive of the FUW, told BBC Radio Wales: “This latest decision is very concerning because if there is any future increase in farm funding, Wales will be allocated a population-based 5.2% rather than the 9.2% share we previously received based on need.”

The change, announced in the UK Budget last October, has raised alarm bells among the farming community. Mr Bebb urged farmers and unions to ensure that politicians in Cardiff remain committed to backing what he described as a “crucial part of the rural economy.”

The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, had already voiced similar concerns earlier this year, warning the Welsh Affairs Committee in Westminster that the new model could leave Wales short-changed. “When it comes to agriculture, we should be significantly higher than 5%,” she said.

Despite the concerns, both the UK Treasury and Welsh Government have insisted the new settlement will benefit Welsh agriculture.

A spokesperson for HM Treasury said: “The Welsh Government is receiving over 20% more per person than the equivalent UK government spending in England. This translates to over £4 billion more in 2025-26. The full amount of agricultural funding from 2024-25 has been baselined into this settlement.”

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government said it welcomes having full discretion over agricultural support spending and confirmed that more than £366 million has been allocated this year—an increase from the previous year when farm funding was still ringfenced.

However, farming leaders remain sceptical, warning that the shift could jeopardise livelihoods in rural communities if funding does not continue to reflect the true scale and nature of Wales’ agricultural sector.

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Farming

Bird flu restrictions lifted after major outbreak in Shropshire

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BIRD FLU restrictions requiring poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors in part of Shropshire have been lifted.

The measures were introduced in January following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at Griffiths Family Farms, part of Oakland Farm Eggs, near Wem.

A 3km protection zone and a wider 10km surveillance zone were established around the site. The surveillance zone extended into the Wrexham local authority area.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that disease control measures have now been completed. The area previously within the protection zone is now part of the surveillance zone only.

Around one million hens had to be culled at the site—one of the largest poultry farms in the UK—after the virus was detected in the flock.

Under protection zone rules, all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors. Surveillance zone rules require premises to keep records of all poultry and egg movements in and out of the area.

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