WELSH language campaigners picketed Aberystwyth Post Office at the weekend over its lack of Welsh-language services.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith campaigns for the Welsh language and held the picket following complaints from its members and supporters over the lack of Welsh-language services at the post office.

Local customer Sion Jobbins said: “This is not against individuals, it is about the principle that staff of a service that is a national monopoly should understand basic Welsh words.”

The Welsh language campaigners said that as a result of complaints some customers were directed towards nearby post offices that do provide a Welsh service. 

The language campaigners said they wrote to the Post Office in September and asked it for bilingual signage, to encourage staff to make more use of the Welsh language and ensure that Welsh forms were as easy to attain as English.

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “The Post Office operates a Welsh language scheme, and we encourage agents who operate post offices in Wales to employ Welsh speakers where possible.”

The language campaign’s Sian Howys said: “The Welsh government also needs to act. Since 2011, its ministers have had the power to implement statutory obligations on the company.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We are keen to see all sectors increase the use of Welsh and supporting businesses to develop their Welsh language services is a priority for us.

“As a government, we are focused on action that has a meaningful and practical effect on promoting the Welsh language and ensuring that people are able to use Welsh in their everyday lives.”