As part of a campaign calling for more Welsh language services from Pembrokeshire County Council members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith have launched a feedback form that anyone can use to note examples of a lack of Welsh provision. The from was launched as part of Narberth Learner's Festival.
The feedback form has has been put together as part of Cymdeithas' response to a job advertisement by Pembrokeshire County Council which said that the Welsh language was not a consideration for the post. Since then, campaigners have submitted open letters, drawn up a charter of calls to the Council, and held a rally to give people a chance to voice their opinions.
Matthew Rempes, a local member and one of the campaigners behind the from said:
"It is significant that we are launching the feedback form in a festival for learners - what is the point of Welsh lessons if people are not able to use it on a daily basis and in their work? As a major employer and service provider in the county, it would give the language significance, and people in the county - Welsh speakers and learners, would be more confident in using it if the Council were to say that they will become a Welsh-medium institution.
"We met with the Council to discuss this but it was clear that they don't have a plan or strategy to improve their Welsh medium provision - and that's what is missing. Hopefully all the forms we will present to them will show clearly that people want more services in Welsh. "
Among examples that have been received so far are a letter sent in English acknowledging an application to register a child in a Welsh medium school; that call centre staff can't answer basic inquiries in Welsh and that swimming lessons are not available in Welsh.
Matthew Rempes added:
"Although we have been asking the Council to do several things, we all have our part to play in strengthening the Welsh language in the county. This form is an easy way for people to give their comments and examples and to demonstrate to the Council that people want these services in Welsh."