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Job advert sparks language row

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county hallPEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has been forced to change an advert on its job page on its website after a letter from Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

The Welsh Language Society criticised a job advertisement saying it was factually wrong and an insult to the people of Pembrokeshire and the Welsh language.

In the advertisement Welsh is described as a first language only in some parts of North Pembrokeshire and said that council staff can learn some phrases as a “matter of courtesy“.

A member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in the area, Gwyndaf Tomos said: “It is outrageous that the Council has said such a thing. Is the Council suggesting that children in the south of the county do not need proper care and support in Welsh? The Welsh language is not just a language for parts of the north – it’s a language for the whole county. For fluent speakers, learners and everyone who wishes to live in Welsh.

“How can we take the Council seriously in anything if this is their attitude towards the Welsh language? It gives the impression that the Council considers the language to be nothing more than a matter of courtesy and that it only needs to be recognised with a few choice phrases.

He added: “We call on the Council to remove this advert immediately and re-advertise the post, making the language an essential requirement – and insist that the Leader of the Council and Cabinet spokesman for the Welsh language justify that such wording had been permitted in the first place.”

Bethan Williams, area officer Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Pembrokeshire said: “As we draw up a charter of calls for the county council, one of the main things we are calling on the council to do straight away is to ensure that new jobs where a member of staff deals with the public makes the language an essential requirement.

“The Welsh Government’s strategy ‘More Than Words’ should offer guidance in that respect, and should say clearly that care services in Welsh are essential to ensure a quality service for everyone.”

Soon after the row erupted, the County Council changed the job advert on their website.

 

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Teifion

    February 3, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Have had a few chats with my neighbours about this story, I’m a welsh speaker but no great “nationalist” but I’m surprised how many non-welsh speaking Welshmen seem to hate the welsh language – sad :(dgltg

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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