Language protest at Valleys store

WELSH language protesters will gather outside Trago Mills this weekend for a demonstration against views expressed by the company’s chairman.

In a letter that enraged language activists, head of the national discount store Bruce Robertson described Welsh language signage as “visual clutter”, criticised Welsh-medium education and advised people to embrace English.

As a result, members of campaign groups YesCymru and Cymdeithas Yr Iaith are set flock to the Merthyr Tydfil superstore tomorrow .

As previously reported, Mr Robertson sent his comments to Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws in May.

A past donor to Ukip, he said: “Felicitations, departmental descriptions, directional, welfare and safety signage will ultimately display Welsh and English language [sic].

“But beyond that we have no plans to cascade its use a great deal further at present.”

Referring to Welsh-medium education, he also wrote: “I also harbour misgivings upon the challenge to the educational system that teaching another language will pose, certainly if the existing standard of literacy is indicative, ‘furniture’ last week only being spelt by a [sic] employee as ‘fernicher’: forgive my ignorance but for all I know that may be the correct spelling... in Welsh!”

In response to the comments a number of customers have said they will be turning their back on the store.

Barry Evans said: “Very disappointing to read these opinions. Was a customer, not anymore”.

Ifan Morgan Jones said: “Well, won’t be buying from Trago Mills then.

“BTW [by the way] went to Welsh language primary and secondary school, have a PhD and can spell furniture.”

To send an even stronger message to the boss, Welsh and non-Welsh speakers will now gather outside the store in protest at 11am tomorrow.

Organiser and YesCymru campaigner Phyl Griffiths said: “My first thought when I read the letter that it was from a different age altogether.

“I had to read it and re-read it several times. You can put it down to being eccentric but there’s no excuse for the comments he made.

“You only have to go to Aldi or Lidl and they are fantastic with bilingual announcements and signage around the store.

“Because they come from outside of England they are used to taking such considerations in regard to the country, culture and languages involved.”

As well as demonstrating, the group is also calling on the Welsh Government to make bilingual signs compulsory for Welsh companies.

Trago Mills has been approached for comment.