Some of Aberystwyth's businesses have declared their support for a petition calling on Ceredigion council to provide more Welsh language services, and secure housing and jobs for local people.

Signing the petition and declaring support for Cymdeithas yr Iaith's calls are the owners of Aberystwyth businesses such as Siop y Pethe, Inc, Teithiau Cambria and Y Llew Du and.

Hywel Griffiths Chair of Cymdeithas in Ceredigion said:
"We are very grateful to these businesses for their support; and are delighted to be able to draw attention to businesses in Aberystwyth that use the language on a daily basis, and do so naturally. They are doing exactly what the Council should be doing.
 
"One of the petition's demands is for the council to do all its work through the medium of Welsh - as well as providing Welsh meisum services this would ensure people are able to work through the Welsh language in the area. Currently there are worryingly high number of young people leaving the county in order to continue their education and find jobs. By doing its work in Welsh and translating to English as needed, the county council would contribute greatly towards enabling people to stay in the area."

Angharad Morgan of Inc bookshop added:
"We are Welsh speakers so it is natural for us to run the business in Welsh, the County Council should also be doing this. We are proud to be able to offer a Welsh language service to all our customers, and, as an employer, give local people the opportunity to use Welsh in the workplace."

Aled Rees of travel business Teithiau Cambria said:
"People receive their education in Welsh so it is important that there are jobs available that allow them to work in Welsh. It's important for us that we can offer jobs for people to use the Welsh language in work every day. Everyone has a part to play in securing the future of the Welsh language - and this is something positive we can do."

Hywel Griffiths added:
"The Council recognises there is a decline in the number of Welsh speakers and the high number of young people leaving the county contributes greatly to the decline in Welsh speakers; yet they haven't shown any eagerness or leadership to do something about it. That concerns us. Although we are calling on the Council to do specific things, we have to remember that there is something we can all do, these businesses are proof of that. Everyone needs to take note of the nature of this crisis, we all need to act now."