A ROW has erupted over the “lack of respect” for the Welsh language in a Porthmadog supermarket.

Campaigners are angry over lack of Welsh language services at Lidl.

A group of protesters plastered stickers at the store, which was recently refurbished.

They also held placards demanding ‘Safonau Iaith i’r Sector Breifat’ (Language Standards for the Private Sector) as a part of a campaign to improve current language legislation.

Lidl has assured protesters that they have conducted a “full and thorough review” and will introduce new Welsh language signs across Wales this autumn.

Manon Elin, rights spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said: “Lidl is disrespecting the Welsh language and we shouldn’t have to protest to get these basic services in Welsh.

“Very many high street stores and supermarkets ignore the needs of the Welsh language across the country.

“There are a number of examples, like Lidl, where Welsh language provision is cut with rebranding or when new shops open.

“Legislation would ensure that doesn’t happen, and, indeed, it should lead to a significant improvement.

“Supermarkets are part of people’s everyday lives, it’s very important that people can shop in Welsh. We hope the Government will take the chance to include supermarkets, and the rest of the private sector under the Welsh language law as they go through the process of strengthening it.

“Indeed, it was heartening that the Minister said recently that he favoured doing that.”

Manon was determined that Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg’s cause was not ignored.

“A recent report by the Welsh Language Commissioner has found that a majority of the public – whether they speak the language or not - like to see supermarkets use Welsh and want to see greater use of it,” she continued.

“The Welsh Language Commissioner’s recent report, as well as the research we have published, shows that a number of these big companies won’t supply full Welsh language services unless they are required to so. That’s why legislation is necessary, rather than relying on good will.”

A spokesperson for Lidl expressed their “disappointment” that they had not been forewarned about the group’s protest: “Lidl UK respects and embraces the Welsh language, encouraging our bilingual colleagues to speak Welsh with customers where possible.

“We have been working closely with the Welsh Language Commission to develop our use of the Welsh language in our stores, and have been engaging with the wider industry through the Commissioner’s Supermarket Forum.

“Having undertaken a full and thorough review, we are currently trialing new signage, with a view to beginning a roll-out to all of our stores across Wales from this autumn.

“We were disappointed not to have been contacted ahead of the decision to conduct a protest, so that we could have provided the necessary reassurances.”