A WREXHAM dad has spoken out about the frustration of having to wait more than three years for Welsh language swimming lessons to be made available to his children.

Aled Powell, from Penycae, has been asking Wrexham Council for swimming lessons in Welsh for his children since 2019. 

And he is still waiting without any clarity on when swimming lessons will be available in Welsh for children in the area.

In response, a Wrexham Council spokesperson said that the council has been working to 'resolve' the situation.

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Mr Powell, who is a member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s language rights group, said: "I’ve been discussing with Wrexham Council for over three years, I’ve made complaints to the council and the Welsh Language Commissioner, and nothing fundamental has changed.

"What am I supposed to do? The council has a duty to give provision in Welsh, but they clearly don’t care about their Welsh speakers. The choice I've been given, basically, is swimming lessons in English or no swimming lessons at all. "

While he is fighting to get swimming lessons in Welsh for his children, he is aware that they are missing out.

Mr Powell added: "The Welsh Language Commissioner is currently on their third investigation into the matter, but in the meantime, my children are growing up.

"I don't want lessons for my children years from now when they’re in secondary school. Awen was four when I started requesting lessons and she’s now seven.

The Leader:

PIC: A letter from Mr Powell's children, Awen and Elan, to Cllr Jon Philips, asking when Welsh language swimming lessons will become available to them.

"She and her little sister are asking every week when they can learn to swim."

A Wrexham Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the issue and are working with the Welsh Language Commissioner and Freedom Leisure to resolve it."

The spokesperson added that the Freedom Leisure group has been advertising continuously online via this link.

The council adds that they have also spoken to students at Coleg Cambria and Rhosesni High School about job vacancies, as well as promoting the vacancy at Ty Pawb Jobs Fair.

An advert for the post of Welsh Speaking Swimming Teacher is currently live on the council's website too.

The council spokesperson added: "Each time it is posted, WCBC tag in local and national Welsh language organisations and partners to share the vacancy as widely as possible."