Road signs featuring English-language translations of several Welsh towns—including Welshpool—have been repeatedly graffitied, in what activists describe as a protest against “unnecessary Anglicisations of Welsh placenames.”
Signs for Welshpool (Y Trallwng) have been targeted, particularly in the Dolgellau area of Gwynedd.
Similar incidents have been reported involving signs for Menai Bridge (Porthaethwy) on Ynys Môn, Barmouth (Abermaw/Bermo), Cardigan (Aberteifi), Furnace (Ffwrnais) near Machynlleth, St Asaph (Llanelwy), Denbigh (Dinbych), and Ruthin (Rhuthun).
In the latest spate of incidents, English names on signs for Welshpool, St Clears, and Burry Port in Carmarthenshire were deliberately obscured with spray paint, while the Welsh-language names were left untouched.
Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies condemned the vandalism, saying the targeting of English-language road signs was “disgraceful.”
“These attacks, presumably carried out by Welsh separatist activists, are disgraceful,” he said.
“The English language is central to Welsh culture. Attempts to erase it are completely unacceptable and must be condemned.”
The graffiti incidents reflect a broader, long-running debate about the protection and prominence of Welsh place names.
Language activists argue that historic Welsh toponyms should be preserved and prioritised, while critics of the graffiti say political disagreements should not be expressed through vandalism of public property.
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