RECENTLY a petition calling for the use of Welsh-only road signs when the English and Welsh versions are similar, has led to the topic of English and Welsh language across the nation.

Across Wales – including Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot – signs are in both English and Welsh, with the likes of Llandovery and Llanymyddfri, Ammanford and Rhydaman, Brynaman and Brynamman, being visible on some road and town signs.

The petition calls for the English name – for example Brynamman – to be removed from the signs if there is not much difference between the two versions, and to just use the Welsh name. It would have no effect on the ones that are vastly different, such as most of the above examples.

We asked our readers what their views were and were given a number of opinions on both sides of the argument, although the majority were in favour of just using Welsh. Here are just some of them:

Dianne Darton said: “I’m an English lady living in Wales for the past 20 years. I have always wished the signs could be in Welsh. I’m sure it would have helped me learn the lovely Welsh language. After all if you travel abroad we have to follow their own language signs.”

Anne Jones said: “Seeing as The Senedd use bilingual in ALL their communications to we minions, the road signs should remain as they are. Which is bilingual.”

Meryl Walters added: “Both. Sat Nav’s would need updating and it’ll cost a fortune to change the signs which may have an impact on council tax as the money needs to come from somewhere. Some of the recent changes that have been made for Wales have already had an impact on employment and tourism and this may have a further impact on one our main sources of employment and income.”

Anthea James-Nicholls said: “Welsh only - its Wales a country of its own.

“Just like any other national country that have signs in their own native language.

“Don't see all of them putting translations up.

“People either learn the language if going there or Google it.

“Sick and tired of all this bending backwards.

“We have never been an English Nation so why are we even entertaining these suggestions.”

Sheridan Bergiers Sharp said: “Place names should be in Welsh but other information should be both coz Wales is a bilingual country.”

Byron Davies said: “Welsh when similar,” with Philip Wilson adding: “When similar I also agree just to use the Welsh name - it's common sense and the right solution and I can't see this as contentious at all...”

Alex Heavens said: “I think the use of both Welsh and English on signs is a good idea, even if they are similar, as it brings familiarity to understanding both, so when the name is very different, such as Swansea and Abertawe, people can tell quicker it's a Welsh and English sign of the same place. Maybe have the Welsh bigger as it is the language of the country and English smaller.

“Update the signs when required, no need to change signs straight away.”

Since the launch of the petition to have signs in Welsh only when they are similar to the English versions, a second petition has been launched to keep signs bilingual.