News

Language commissioner seeks boost in Welsh language services

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2023

AMIDST concerns that Welsh speakers are occasionally discouraged from using their native tongue, Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, has urged organisations throughout Wales to not just provide but actively champion Welsh language services.

In her debut assurance report since her appointment, titled “Raising the Bar,” Gruffudd Jones emphasises the importance of integrating the Welsh language into policy formulation, service planning, and delivery.

Although there’s a general improvement in compliance levels, especially among organizations under the Welsh Language Standards, the report stresses the importance of fostering an environment where Welsh can be used seamlessly in daily life. The focus is on enhancing verbal services, be it telephonic or in-person.

Gruffudd Jones points out the significance of the workplace in preserving the language, stating, “While growth in Welsh education is pivotal, it’s equally important for young individuals to experience Welsh in professional settings. The availability of written Welsh services is commendable, yet the spoken services lag behind – the very services most in demand.”

Acknowledging recruitment challenges of Welsh-speaking personnel, she adds, “The Welsh language deserves more prominence. I urge organisations to devise bilingual workforce strategies.”

Key findings from the report include:

A significant 95% encounter a Welsh greeting during telephonic interactions with public bodies.
Public organisations have 90% of their social media content in Welsh.
Welsh appears to be sidelined on 33% of inspected website pages over the past year in favour of English.
72% perceive public institutions’ Welsh language services as progressing positively.
Approximately three-quarters of Welsh speakers find daily opportunities to speak Welsh.
However, a concerning revelation was that a notable fraction of Welsh speakers felt restricted from using their language. While 18% expressed experiencing this in the past year, the number spikes to 29% among the 16 to 34 age bracket.

Gruffudd Jones denounces such behaviour, stating, “Suppressing the Welsh language undeniably dents the confidence of its speakers and, by extension, its daily usage.”

Nonetheless, she remains optimistic about organisations’ inclination to adapt. “Since assuming this role, I’ve interacted with various stakeholders, sensing an overwhelming positivity towards Welsh. I aspire for every organisation to instil the ethos of the Welsh Language Measure at their core and champion its usage. My commitment remains to oversee, intervene when needed, and consistently offer counsel, ensuring the Welsh language remains integral to our public services.”

Crime

Musician pulled over in camper van tested positive for cannabis

Published

8 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A TRAVELLING musician has appeared before magistrates after being found driving his campervan through Haverfordwest when he was over three times the legal drug-drive limit.

Jacob Sparkes, 34, was stopped by officers as he drove his Renault Traffic campervan through Thomas Parry Way, Haverfordwest, on July 20. A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed he had 6.9 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

Sparkes pleaded guilty to the offence and was legally represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant began taking cannabis as a form of self medication as a result of his epilepsy,” said Mr Kelleher. “At the time of the offence he was travelling in a campervan around Wales, playing music at various festivals.”

Sparkes, of Beech Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.

Crime

Emergency services dealing with ‘serious incident’ at multi-storey car park

Published

10 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Jason Cooper

POLICE, ambulance crews and the air ambulance are attending to what is being described as a ‘serious incident’ at Tenby’s multi-storey car park this evening (Jan 2).

Witnesses said they heard shouting and other commotion in the car park, and shortly afterwards emergency services were at the scene.

Another witness said: “I was in Tenby and saw the helicopter hovering, then heard loads of sirens and didn’t know what was going on, then when I drove past the multi-storey in Park Road I saw loads of blue lights and people gathered.

“It happened right near the motorcycle section of the car park, so the very front near Sainsbury’s.

“This looks to be a very serious incident judging by the large emergency vehicle response.”

Police have asked the public to avoid the area whilst the incident is being dealt with.

They said: “There are currently delays due to a road traffic collision.

“Please be patient and take an alternative route if possible or plan extra time into your journey.”

This is a developing story – you may need to refresh the page to get the latest version.

Crime

Woman who used stolen bank cards having new baby taken into care

Published

10 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has been sentenced for stealing bank cards from a young mother attending to her three young children at Carmarthen Railway Station toilet.

Kelly Rees, 35, a new mother herself, discovered the bag belonging to Cheryl Lewis on August 20. When Rees looked inside, she discovered a purse containing three bank cards and £2 in cash.

This week, Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that Rees, of Precelly Place, Milford Haven, removed the purse from the bag and travelled back to Pembrokeshire where she made multiple attempts to use the stolen cards to purchase items. These included a visit to Tesco, Milford Haven, where she purchased goods valued at £189 using one of the stolen cards.

Ms Vaughan said the offences were committed while Rees was serving a Community Order for previous convictions.

Rees pleaded guilty to theft and of fraud by false representation.

“She’s genuinely remorseful for her actions,” said her solicitor Michael Kelleher. “She’s recently given birth, but her child will now be going into foster care.”

After considering a comprehensive probation report, magistrates sentenced Rees to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months. She must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was ordered to pay £189 compensation to Cheryl Lewis, a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

“Multiple attempts to use those cards does not reflect well on your thinking process,” commented the presiding magistrate when sentencing Kelly Rees.