Our members and supporters in Carmarthenshire have recognised that progress is being made by Carmarthenshire County Council but that there is still work to be done to secure the language's position is strengthened.
Amy Jones, Vice-Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire said:
"We are glad that the county council has updated its Welsh Language Strategy action plan, and that officers and council representatives have come to our meeting today. It shows that they are taking the Welsh language seriously, but there is still work to be done if we are to see the number of Welsh speakers growing and our communities restored."
"There is no question that there is work to be done. Although we are putting expectations on the council, we all have a part to play. We are pleased to announce that we have over fifty people who have agreed to be 'barcudiaid' and will keep an eagle eye on the work of the county council."
"By the end of the month we aim to have a 'flock' of a hundred 'barcudiaid' in place. The intention is that they will meet regularly, and there will be an open meeting in six months' time to review the situation again as part of an ongoing process. By then, we will expect an updated action plan for the Welsh language strategy."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith will put the 'barcudiaid' to work immediately, asking them to keep track of meeting minutes and council publications, to follow the development of the language strategy, and to go to council meetings and identify any matters that arise. A meeting will be held within six months to review the situation, as part of an ongoing monitoring process.
The County Council's Welsh language Strategy Action Plan (updated January 2015)
For more information on the meeting and the 'barcudiaid' who will keep an eagle eye on the county council contact us - bethan@cymdeithas.org