Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire will put demands to the county council to act to strengthen the Welsh language in the county, on Wednesday 26th June, as they launch their laungage charter, Siarter Sir Gâr.
The charter, which covers housing and planning, education, health, leisure and the
use of Welsh within the County Council puts forward radical, but practical, steps the Council can adopt.
Heledd ap Gwynfor, a member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthern said:
"Although the Council has established a group to look at the Welsh language in the county in response to the Census results it is important for us to see action. In the charter there are clear calls on them to operate across all areas of the council's work, which would make a difference to people across the county. The charter is a document that is relevant to all aspects of the council's work as the Welsh language is something that applies to all aspects of life and not a separate issue. Adopting the charter would create a strong foundation for the Welsh language in the county."
Speaking on some of the specific demands Cen Llwyd, Cymdeithas yr Iaith spokesperson on sustainable communities said:
"Housing development has been a hot topic in the area recently, with two housing developments being opposed by local residents. In the council chamber two weeks ago a proposal to call on the Welsh Government to establish a statutory body to consider the impact of development plans on the Welsh language was also defeated. There is a call, therefore, on the council to establish a pilot scheme to this end in the county. The Council needs to be innovative if they are serious about Welsh-speaking communities."
Sioned Elin, Chair of Cymdeithas in the area, added:
"There are a number of demands in the charter that the Council could begin to implement immediately – for example a plan could be put in place to change the administrative language of the council, following the example of Cyngor Gwynedd; and to recognize that the Welsh language is an essential skill that the council should ensure everyone can make use of.
"As it looks to the future Carmarthenshire Council must consider how to make it possible for people to live in Welsh-speaking communities across the county. It means ensuring that services are available in Welsh - such as education, leisure provision, and there are decent jobs, and housing suitable for families and young people. We expect the council to play their part in making it possible for people to live in Welsh Carmarthenshire, implementing our charter would contribute to that.”
Following the launch of Siarter Sir Gâr members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith will go on to present the charter to leader of Carmarthenshire Council, Cllr. Kevin Madge, the Assistant Chief Executive, Chris Burns and Cllr. Mary Stephens who holds the cabinet post for the Welsh language.
The story in the local press:
South Wales Guardian 20/06/13 - Council in Welsh Charter Talks