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Welsh language commissioner highlights compliance failure by Ceredigion Council

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THE Welsh Language Commissioner has criticized Ceredigion County Council for failing to meet Welsh Language Standards in its consultation process over the proposed closure of Ysgol Llangwyryfon, a Welsh-medium school. This oversight has prompted concerns over the potential impact on the use of the Welsh language among children in the rural area.

In a recent letter addressed to Mr. Nudd Lewis, the Chair of Governors at Ysgol Llangwyryfon, Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones emphasized that the council’s consultation document did not properly account for the impact of the school’s closure on the use of Welsh as the primary language in the playground. If the school closes, students would be relocated to Ysgol Llanilar, where Welsh is not as widely spoken among pupils.

The council, in its correspondence with the Commissioner’s office, acknowledged its failure to comply with the Welsh Language Standards. It committed to revising the Impact Assessment, ensuring it aligns with the requirements, and publishing the updated version. The council also promised to extend the consultation period to allow for further community feedback, a decision welcomed by the Commissioner.

Due to the council’s willingness to rectify its mistakes, the Welsh Language Commissioner decided that a formal investigation would not be necessary. “The council’s commitment to address these issues promptly makes an investigation redundant,” stated Efa Gruffudd Jones.

The future of Ysgol Llangwyryfon is part of a broader review of rural schools in Ceredigion, with Ysgol Craig-yr-Wylfa and Ysgol Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn also facing potential closure. An upcoming consultation concerning Ysgol Syr John Rhys in Ponterwyd is expected later this month, following preliminary discussions with the Church in Wales.

The handling of the consultation process has drawn criticism from local community groups. Jeff Smith, Chair of the Ceredigion branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, condemned the council’s approach: “This is another instance where the council has pushed forward with school closures without fully considering their impact or exploring alternative solutions. The council should halt these consultations and engage in genuine dialogue with the communities to find a way forward that respects the needs of rural Welsh speakers.”

Local councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans expressed disappointment in the council’s approach but welcomed the efforts to amend the consultation process. “It is regrettable that the council did not comply initially, but I am pleased that they are now taking steps to correct this oversight,” he said.

The consultation period, initially launched on October 14th, has been extended after it emerged that the necessary documents were not uploaded to the appropriate section of the council’s website until the following evening. This delay and subsequent extension have heightened scrutiny over the council’s adherence to consultation protocols, with a formal complaint already lodged with the Welsh Government’s Education Secretary.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s complaint alleges that the council’s primary motive for the school closures was financial, rather than prioritizing the educational needs of students. They argue that the council failed to give due consideration to alternatives in the early stages of planning, potentially undermining the spirit of fair consultation.

As the debate continues, the future of Welsh-medium education in Ceredigion remains uncertain, with local communities advocating for decisions that will preserve the linguistic heritage of the region.

 

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Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

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Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

Sam Kurtz

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

 

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Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

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A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

 

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Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

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A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.

 

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