More than 100 people turned out over the weekend in a joint protest between Cymdeithas yr Iaith and Penybanc residents opposing the development of 289 houses, activists heard speakers from the local action group and Cymdedeithas yr Iaith and discussed the next steps of their campaign in the county. There is strong local and county-wide opposition to the development because of the community and the Welsh language impact it would have in Carmarthenshire.

Speaking in the protest Joy Davies of Grŵp Gweithredu Penbanc Action Group said:

"Villages like Penybanc, Saron and Tycroes continue to be 'naturally' Welsh. Villages have retained a strong sense of their identity as well, even if they are in the vicinity of Ammanford. It is our belief that building 289 houses on this site in Penybanc will have a very detrimental impact on the Welsh language in the area and the character of the village. "

Sioned Elin, Chairman of the Association in the area:

"Very recently Leighton Andrews was part of a forum in Tycroes, a stone's throw from the development site, to discuss the results of the Census. He announced another task group to look into the state of the Welsh language in the county, yet here they are doing nothing about this massive development - despite local opposition.

"The County Council has also set up a separate group to look at the Census figures yet they have given permission to this development, based on the old Unitary Development Plan, which is out of date. They need to stop this development immediately and wait until the public inquiry into the Local Development Plan later this year, as well the new planning guidance from the Welsh Government.

"Following the protest we came up with further ideas with local residents on ways to stop the development. By co-working with the community here we hope to have a strong campaign."

Rhys Davies, member of the band Banditos, who will perform during the protest said:

"I'm pleased the Welsh Language Society is working with Penbanc Action Group and are supporting the campaign. Penybanc are an example for communities across Wales who are facing similar challenges and developments – it is people like them the council needs to listen to, instead of developers and councils who insist on finding places to put houses without thinking about the impact on the local communities. "

More pictures by Lleucu Meinir to follow soon - http://www.lleucu.com/2013/04/21/llunie-o-brotest-nid-yw-penybanc-ar-werth/

The story in the press

Golwg 360 20/04/13: Penybanc – Cymdeithas yr Iaith yn gosod cerrig milltir

South Wales Evening Post 22/04/13 - Joining Protest Against Homes