Costa cafe in language row; English-only signs add to plan controversy.

Byline: By HYWEL TREWYN

THE coffee chain which will open a high street cafe today without planning permission now stands accused of snubbing the Welsh language.

Costa Coffee will be serving customers in Aberystwyth today as demonstrators outside demand to know why it has no bilingual signs.

Welsh language campaigners Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) have accused Costa of both ignoring a letter from Aberystwyth Town Council for companies to use bilingual signs and Ceredigion County Council's stipulation that only shops should open on the high street.

Cymdeithas has also accused Costa of "shipping in" its sandwiches rather than using local produce.

The society's campaigns officer Sioned Haf said: "Costa have ignored the letter from Aberystwyth Town Council which asked them to provide bilingual signs, showing a total disrespect for our language and culture.

"Many of the town's small companies, which earn a fraction of Costa's profits, have responded to this letter and introduced bilingual signs. This case shows the need for a comprehensive Language Act which would compel the large companies to adopt a bilingual service."

Chair of Cymdeithas in Ceredigion, Angharad Clwyd added: "Almost all of Costa Cafe's produce, including their sandwiches, are prepared outside the area and shipped in daily.

"This is in complete contrast to the majority of Aber's small cafes, who do buy local goods. The cafe does not support the local economy; therefore the vastmajority of the profits leave the area and Wales.

She added: "The company knows very well that sit-in cafes are not allowed on the high street and yet they have created a space with 50 seats.

"The company boasts a FairTrade ethos on their website but totally disregard fairness while dealing with the local community where they trade.We call on the people of Aberystwyth and surrounding area to say No to Costa Cafe and support their local cafes."

A Costa spokeswoman said: "Where appropriate all directional signage in store will be bilingual, however most of Costa's signage is of a universal, symbolic nature. We are currently working on an in-store leaflet which will also incorporate the Welsh language."

She added: "Costa currently has no plans to source food products locally although it does have reduced 'coffee miles' for its roasted beans. Costa owns its own UK Roastery and the entire coffee production process. All its milk, muffins and cakes are UK produced."

Cymdeithas' picket will start at 9am and continue until 5pm. Among speakers addressing the picket will be Geraint Edwards of Cymdeithas yr Iaith.