A number of former Chairs of Carmarthen County Council have called on the authority to take action on the Welsh language ahead of a public forum in Carmarthneshire on Saturday.

In a public statement former Council Chairs: Fioled Jones, Roy Llewelyn, Siân Thomas and Terry Davies, say that the time is right for the Council to set an example by using Welsh as its own language of administration.

They say:

"As former chairs of Carmarthenshire County Council we call on members and officials of the Council to move now to complete more of their work in Welsh".

Sioned Elin, chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire commented: "We are heartened by this support from respected former Chairs of the Council. As former chairs who have spoken in and lead Council meetings in Welsh they agree with us that it really is time now for the Council to be using Welsh itself rather than confining itself to calling on others to do that.

“We hope for a positive response from the leading Councillors and officers who have agreed to attend our public forum on the 30th of January in Carmarthen library hall where there will also be a chance for the public to question them."

Cllr Mair Stephens, chair of the Welsh language Advisory Panel; Cllr Cefin Campbell, Vice chair of the Welsh language Advisory Panel; Cllr Calum Higgins, a member of the Welsh language Advisory Panel; and Cllr Emlyn Dole, Council leader will come to answer question and Heledd Cynwal will open the meeting.

More information about the meeting - bethan@cymdeithas.org