9 WELSH PLACENAMES REPORT PDF 359 KB
To
submit a report by the Project Officer giving an update on the work of the new
project to Members.
Additional documents:
Decision:
Derbyn yr adroddiad gan nodi’r sylwadau a
dderbyniwyd.
Minutes:
The report was presented by the Project Officer and the Language Adviser
It was noted that in
April 2018, a report was submitted to the Language Committee outlining the
Council's responsibilities and powers in the field of place names. It was
explained that the report was the result of research undertaken in response to
concerns by Committee members at the time regarding the Anglicization of names
or coining new names for geographical features and houses. Due to barriers such
as Covid, the project had been unable to proceed until September of this year,
when a project officer had been appointed to begin the work. It was noted that
this plan was now one of the Council's improvement priorities, and had
therefore received additional funding to accelerate the plan.
It was expressed that there
was no clarity on the arrangements relating to changing names and re-naming
houses and streets. It was emphasised that this was mainly due to the need to
modernise legislation and policies to ensure that the Welsh language was given
precedence when naming houses and businesses.
It was explained that this scheme provided an
opportunity for departments within the Council to collaborate, and an initial
meeting to establish a Project Group had been held. It was noted that it would
be possible to proceed with definite arrangements that would meet the demand
for clarity in this area. It was reported that work would be undertaken with schools
and the public to attract long-term interest in the scheme.
It was identified that there was scope to collaborate
with Town and Community Councils to see what steps had been taken previously,
or what needed to be done in the communities.
Members were given the opportunity to ask further questions-
-
How easy was it to contact and communicate with
businesses and housing associations? It was noted that they were in the process
of developing an information form for businesses and housing associations that would
provide clear information on the process of naming houses and businesses. The
Council had limited influence in relation to the third sector, although the
desire to develop a relationship in the field was noted, in order to be able to
exert further influence.
-
Attention was drawn to the success of Llanystumdwy
Community Council in relation to erecting name signs on bridges and near rivers
within the area, and whether this scheme could be expanded in conjunction with
the Environment department. It was agreed that a discussion with the department
was required, and that plans such as these should be continued.
-
A question was asked about the role of Councillors in
supporting this scheme, and it was noted that regular meetings would be held
with Councillors, and updates shared. It was noted that this would be an
opportunity for Councillors to challenge the performance of the scheme and to
share their own ideas.
DECISION
To accept the report and note the observations
received.