Slogans were painted last night on 'Boots' branches at Aberaeron and Lampeter stating "95% uniaith Saesneg" (95% English only) and stickers calling for a New Welsh Language Act were plastered over Boots branches in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Newcastle Emlyn and on the Superdrug branches in Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.

This follows a recent survey by members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith showing that branches of the 'Boots' store in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire offer a wholly unacceptable level of service to the county's population with the percentage of monolingual English provision in the branches ranging from 93% to 95%. Similar surveys were also carried out in Superdrug branches.Angharad Clwyd, Dyfed Organiser of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said:"Over 50% of the population of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion speak Welsh; the Boots company demonstrate a complete lack of respect to the Welsh language in these areas, offering only 5 to 8% of their services bilingually to their customers."The campaign will continue over the next few months calling on large companies in the private sector to adopt a comprehensive Welsh language policy. Cymdeithas has promised further direct action against Boots and Superdrug unless they show greater commitment to the Welsh Language. Hywel Griffiths, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"Both Boots and Superdrug must realise that they have to show respect for the Welsh language. Since the Government of Wales has not as yet committed itself to a Welsh language Act that has powers extending to the private sector, these companies must be reminded of their obligation to their Welsh-speaking customers who contribute towards their extravagant annual profits.""Cymdeithas yr Iaith call on Boots and Superdrug to ensure bilingualism throughout their stores in Wales, including bilingual permanent signage, seasonal signage, loud-speaker announcements and own brand packaging and also to offer training for their staff in order to create a bilingual workforce."Cymdeithas' targets during May and June this year are Boots and Superdrug. Over the next year various leading chain stores will be targeted by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg to emphasise the need for a New Welsh Language Act.