150 came to Haverforwest to call on the County Council to start taking the Welsh language seriously in the first rally Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has held in Pembrokeshire for some years.



Cymdeithas members and supporters have been calling on the council for some months to make the Welsh language the language of the council; and are putting together a set of specific calls that the council can act on immediately in order to full fill this call.

This comes following a job advertisement for a social work post which noted that the language was a first language 'for some people in parts of the county;' and that the successful candidate could 'master a few phrases in Welsh as a matter of courtesy” if they wish.

Addressing the rally Hefin Wyn said: "We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a positive attitude towards the Welsh language so that ratepayers do not have to ask over an over again for various services through the medium of Welsh. Over 60 years ago Pembrokeshire County Council was united and supportive of the battle to keep the Preselau free of military presence. Several councillors were members of the Preseli Preservation Committee. That battle was won because the whole county was united in its opposition. We call upon the county council to be equally supportive of the efforts to preserve the Welsh language. We do not ask for concessions here and there but for clear unequivocal leadership.

“No pride is shown in the fact that the language is still spoken in the county and that there are many of us who wish to see its survival. Welsh has not been confined to a particular remote corner of the county. We call for a meeting with the Chief Executive himself to discuss a positive strategy to enhance the use of the language."

Residents from all over the county were given the opportunity to share their experiences of dealing with the council in Welsh, with examples ranging from failing to get swimming lessons in Welsh, the need for Welsh medium education and concerns about the effects of service cuts on the Welsh language.

One of the campaigners said:

“Its about time that the officials we have in this county to show respect towards welsh speakers and the language. It should be essential for people working in the council to be able to speak Welsh. It is no different to someone needing the right licence before getting a job as a bus driver, or a doctor getting the right training and qualifications for the job.”

Pictures - http://cymdeithas.org/lluniau/rali%20cymreigio%20cyngor%20penfro