Carmarthenshire’s Executive Board has sought assurances from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service over the Welsh language, following news that they may relocate their control centre out of the county.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Derek Masson and Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies attended this week’s Executive Board meeting at County Hall to give a presentation about the plans, and answer members’ questions.
Councillors heard how the fire authority plans to move its control centre, along with its staff, to a new location, most likely at Bridgend, to forge closer links and share resources with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and other blue light services.
In previous council meetings, concerns had been raised about the potential loss of jobs for local people, and subsequently loss of local knowledge and Welsh language skills.
However, Mr Masson, addressing the Executive Board, moved to assure the council that the majority of staff would relocate in order to retain knowledge and skill.
“The Welsh language is essential to us,” he said. “It is important that anyone who wants to speak in the medium of Welsh is able to do so, especially as they might be speaking to us in stressful circumstances when they will need to speak in their first language.”
Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “Jobs are hard to come by in this part of the world and we were all worried about jobs but we can see what you are trying to do. In difficult times we are all trying to find solutions. We’re pleased to have had assurances about jobs and the Welsh language.”
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
