Keeping a promise to open a new Welsh medium starter class in Grangetown this month would be evidence that Cardiff Council's leader is 'serious about supporting the Welsh language', according to local language campaigners.

In May 2015, Cardiff Council promised that there would be a Welsh medium reception class at Ninian Park School in September this year, with a brand new Welsh medium school to serve Butetown and Grangetown in 2017. But fears have emerged that the council will renege on its commitment.

The call for Councillor Phil Bale to intervene and ensure the new school opens follows an argument over the council's claim that the Welsh language is not part of the city's 'social fabric' in a letter to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. Cymdeithas yr Iaith campaigners say they feel that local council officials, not the Council Leader Phil Bale, are responsible for those ignorant comments. However, in a letter to Councillor Phil Bale on the issue of the school, Carl Morris, chair of the local branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg in Cardiff, says the council leader must act to demonstrate his support for the language :

"I attended a public meeting held by campaigners last Wednesday to discuss a new Welsh medium starter class for the Butetown and Grangetown wards. We as a local group are very concerned about the situation, as are many others. The class is in place next to Ninian Park Primary School but apparently, due to what can only be described as a failings or indifference on the part of council officers, it is at risk of not starting at all.

"The numbers seemed quite healthy at the beginning of the summer, but instead of increasing as expected, they have reduced due to lack of information, lack of certainty and a lack of suitable arrangements for parents. We're particularly concerned to hear that the majority of families in the area have not been properly informed about the opportunity.

"The situation has not been helped by the fact that a consultation for the new school - that is to replace the class in September 2017 - has been repeatedly postponed. We call on the council to make up for their failings by ensuring they take every effort this week to inform parents that there will be an open morning for the new class at 10am this Friday at Ninian Park School - and to encourage parents to consider this opportunity for their children.

"This is a superb opportunity for you as leader to take initiative and show that you are serious about supporting the Welsh language on such an important issue: namely ensuring that Welsh medium education is being promoted among our most disadvantaged and diverse communities, in line with Welsh Government policy.”