News

Criticism over lack of response to decline of Welsh-speaking communities

Published

9 months ago

March 18, 2025

A PLAID CYMRU Member of the Senedd has criticised the Welsh Government for failing to acknowledge the crisis facing Welsh-speaking communities, as concerns grow over the language’s decline.

During First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (Mar 18), Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru MS for Mid and West Wales, pressed the Welsh Government on when it would respond to the final report of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities. The report, published in August 2024, sets out policy recommendations to support the language in its traditional strongholds.

Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, stated that the government’s response will be published during the Urdd Eisteddfod in May. However, she could not confirm whether the recommendations would be implemented before the end of the current Senedd term.

The Commission was set up in November 2022 in response to what the Welsh Government described as a “socio-economic and societal crisis” in Welsh-speaking communities, highlighted by the 2021 Census. The final report was presented to the First Minister last August at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, but seven months later, the government has yet to issue a formal response.

Carmarthenshire, the home county of Mr. Campbell, has seen a sharp decline in Welsh speakers. In 2001, 50.3% of residents spoke the language, falling to 43.9% in 2011 and 39.9% in 2021.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr. Campbell said: “This is an extremely valuable piece of research and reflection by experts in the field, which sets clear recommendations for the Government to enact. These include measures in education, housing, planning, and economic development to prevent further decline and support the recovery of our Welsh-speaking communities.

“There are only 14 months left until the next Senedd election. Time is running out, and the clock is ticking for our Welsh-speaking communities.

“When will the Government publish its response to this report, and can we be confident that its recommendations will be implemented before the end of this Senedd term?

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.