A Ceredigion pensioner who refused to pay a court fine for her part in a campaign to gain broadcasting powers for Wales, has had her car confiscated by bailiffs.

Eiris Llywelyn, 69, was found guilty in April for refusing to pay for her TV licence. She was the third campaigner to go to court and was ordered to pay a £220 court penalty.

However, Ms Llywelyn, who lives in Ffostrasol, is the first person to refuse to pay court penalties and is now at risk of a prison sentence.

She said this week: “I intend to continue to refuse to pay and I’m willing to face the consequences.

“The bailiffs have called and taken my car, but I’m not going to give in.

“I’m willing to take the protest to the end in order to draw attention to a matter that’s of vital importance to our nation.

“We’re pushing for the devolution of communication and broadcasting powers for the sake of Wales’ democracy, as well as our language.

“The lack of Welsh content in the media is a threat to self-government in Wales, and it must be tackled.”

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith say securing broadcasting powers for Wales is essential to sustain the country’s young devolution settlement.

Ninety people are currently refusing to pay for their licence fees in an effort to transfer control over TV, radio and online communication from Westminster to Wales.

“We’re very grateful to Eiris for her brave stand,” said Cymdeithas chair Bethan Ruth. “It’s a fight for the future of our language, our communities and for our democracy."

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