What do we think about this? Defending the Welsh Language or small minded Racism?
Cynwyd council 'let down its community' by refusing to publish documents in English says damning report05:00, 24 NOV 2015
BY SARAH HODGSONA North Wales council “let down its local community” by refusing to provide English translations of its documents, according to a damning report.
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has also slammed Cynwyd community council near Corwen , Denbighshire for “refusing to co-operate” with its investigation into the authority’s language provision.
The probe was launched after a complaint was made alleging that agendas and minutes from council meetings were only being published in Welsh, which prevented non-Welsh speaking “Mrs X” from becoming involved in the authority’s business.
The ombudsman found that by failing to publish documents bilingually, the council could be considered to be excluding and disadvantaging those who do not understand Welsh.
The report states that it gave the authority “several opportunities” to resolve the problem voluntarily and even made a number of recommendations - including publishing all agendas in both English and Welsh.
But the council’s clerk has hit back at the findings and has insisted it has no case to answer.
Nick Bennett, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said: “While I fully support the principle of any Welsh council conducting its business through the medium of Welsh, it should also ensure those who consider English as their first language are not excluded.
Bangor Morrisons parking sign leaves Welsh-speakers baffled
“It is worrying that the council has taken such an intransigent position throughout my investigation, and their refusal to act reasonably has let down their local community, both Welsh and English-speaking.
‘I am hugely disappointed that by refusing to accept my entirely reasonable recommendations, Cynwyd council has forced me to issue a public interest report.”
But in a defiant response, retired headmaster and current Cynwyd community council clerk Alwyn Jones Parry insisted that there was a “reasonable translation process” available.
Will Gwynedd council cuts endanger Welsh language?
”Our position has not changed since the onset of these tedious protracted discussions,” he added.
“If we had been approached politely this matter would have been sorted out correctly and quickly.”
'No case to answer'
He also said that the council would not be issuing an apology to Mrs X.
”We emphatically say that Cynwyd community council believes that we have no case to answer,” added Mr Parry.
Welsh language prescription turned away by Morrisons pharmacy
“The complaint is without foundation, time wasting, a waste of money, and incorrect use of the Ombudsman.”
Welsh Language society Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have also waded into the row, claiming that the report is unfair and arguing that more organisations need to work internally in Welsh if the language is to survive.
Tamsin Davies, communities spokeswoman for the group, said: “If the Welsh language is to thrive in our communities more - not fewer - organisations need to work internally in Welsh.
The Welsh Government and Welsh Language Commissioner both agree that there need to be more bodies following that best practice in order to increase the use of the language.
“We (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) will be writing to the Ombudsman asking him to re-consider his legal position: it appears that the Ombudsman’s report is not accurate.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cynwyd-council-let-down-community-10491187
