Residents urged to recognise outstanding local volunteers

NOMINATIONS have opened for the Milford Haven Town Council Citizens’ Awards 2026, celebrating individuals and groups who make a difference in the community.

The awards recognise those working in a voluntary capacity, with the council confirming that nominees must not be paid for their role. Previous award recipients are not eligible for further consideration.

Residents can obtain nomination forms by emailing [email protected], downloading them from the council’s website, or by calling 01646 692505.

Completed nominations must be submitted by no later than 12:00pm on Monday (Apr 20), 2026.

The council is encouraging members of the public to put forward deserving candidates who have made a positive contribution to life in Milford Haven.

Part-time outdoor role available with April application deadline

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is inviting applications for a part-time handyperson role focused on maintaining key public spaces across the town.

The council is seeking an individual who enjoys working outdoors, with duties including upkeep of amenities and outdoor areas at Milford Haven Cemetery and other locations within the town.

Applicants must hold a clean driving licence, and the successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check.

The position is offered on a three-day working week, with seven hours per day. The salary is set at £15,179.80 per annum, equivalent to £13.86 per hour. The council has indicated that some weekend work may be required to support civic events.

Anyone interested in applying is asked to request an application pack by emailing the Town Clerk at [email protected].

The closing date for applications is Wednesday (Apr 15), 2026.

Farmers urged to act as magnesium levels in grazing ewes fall

SHEEP farmers across Pembrokeshire are being warned of an increased risk of magnesium deficiency in lactating ewes this spring, following months of heavy winter rainfall.

The condition, known as grass tetany, can lead to reduced milk production and poor lamb performance if not addressed early.

Dr Alison Bond, Technical Services Manager at Rumenco, said wet conditions over the winter are likely to have depleted key minerals in grazing land.

She said: “Excessive rainfall can leach magnesium from soils, meaning levels in spring grass may be lower than usual. At the same time, fast-growing grass can dilute mineral content, increasing the risk of deficiency.”

Typical spring grazing may not provide enough magnesium to meet a ewe’s needs. A lactating ewe requires around 4g per day, but grass alone often supplies only half that amount.

Dr Bond warned that even before obvious symptoms appear, flocks may already be suffering hidden losses.

She said: “Reduced feed intake, lower milk yield, loss of condition and increased disease risk can all occur. By the time clinical signs are visible, the impact on productivity is already significant.”

Other seasonal factors, including late frosts and fertiliser use, can further limit magnesium uptake in grass.

Farmers are being advised to take preventative action by providing supplementary magnesium during high-risk periods.

Dr Bond said: “Routine supplementation is the most effective strategy. It helps prevent both sub-clinical losses and more serious cases of grass tetany.”

Magnesium can be provided through mineral blocks or buckets, which allow free access for grazing animals and require minimal labour.

With lambing season underway, farmers are being urged to monitor flocks closely and ensure nutritional needs are being met to protect both ewe health and lamb growth.