ABERYSTWYTH has overwhelmingly said “no to hatred” after residents packed in to witness the launch of an anti-intolerance group at the weekend.

Almost 180 people squeezed into the Morlan Centre on Friday evening to see the launch of Cymru i Bawb: Harmony not Hatred, a group that has been established in the Aberystwyth area.

Following a rise in hate crime across Wales, including the Dyfed-Powys area, since the Brexit vote in June, the group was set up to send the message that intolerance of any kind is unacceptable in Aberystwyth.

Among the speakers at the launch were Elin Jones AM, Mark Williams MP, Joyce Watson AM, Sion Meredith and Aled Edwards, chief executive of Cytun.

“For months, emotions have been stirred up by the media and right-wing newspapers who are intent on frightening people,” said Arwel Jones, spokesperson for Cymru i Bawb.

“It came to a head over the summer during the campaign for and against leaving the EU. But you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”

Elin Jones AM said that she was very proud of Aberystwyth and Ceredigion for the way they have welcomed refugees and made statements such as this event against prejudice and hatred.

“When there is hate and prejudice, and racism and xenophobia, it is important that we challenge that at every opportunity,” said Ms Jones.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now