Activists delete ‘Welshpool’ from road sign

Welsh republican activists want the name Welshpool to join the likes of Snowdon and the Brecon Beacons in being consigned to the history books following a new campaign targeting road signs.

Eryr Wen describes itself as a “Welsh youth organisation campaigning for the creation of an independent Welsh republic and for the protection of our language, culture and identity”.

The group, which translated into English is called White Eagle, was launched last December and has become more active at marches, but this new direction is already causing plenty of controversy and discussion.

This week, the word Welshpool was deleted from a road sign near Dolgellau (pictured), leaving only the Welsh version ‘Trallwng’ on show, with the group stating on Twitter: “Eryr Wen activists across Gwynedd and Ynys Môn have been removing imposed names from signage this week.”

The group said it is “committed to achieving our aims through the use of provocative and non-violent activism”.

The White Eagle emblem has been synonymous with Welsh independence and was previously associated with the Free Wales Army. Welsh myths teach that the Eagle of Eryri (Snowdonia) was a protector of Wales.

This year, official moves have been made to rename Brecon Beacons ‘Bannau Brycheiniog’ and Snowdonia will be known as Eryri. Snowdon also is now to be known as Yr Wyddfa.