85,000 need to be put in the picture - say Welsh Lib Dems

1.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Aug 2005

Eleanor Burnham AM, Liberal Democrat Member for North Wales and spokesperson on broadcasting had today warned of the potential problems that digital switchover poses to Wrexham in the wake of a Government study in Ferryside south Wales and has called for more work to be done specifically on how digital switchover will affect Wrexham and surrounding area in 2008.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stepped up their campaign to ensure Welsh TV coverage for all. Today at the Eisteddfod the party is highlighting the plight of the 85,000 people in Wales who will still not have access to public service broadcasting in 2007.

Speaking from the Maes, Eleanor Burnham AM, the party's broadcasting spokesperson, stressed that a handful of communities were effectively excluded from Welsh life.

She said: "30 years after a Government reported highlighted the fact, many parts of Wales still do not receive Welsh television.

"Public Service Broadcasting is the cornerstone of Welsh culture, identity and language, and is crucial for an informed and involved democracy. To be cut off from this is to be disenfranchised - we must have universal access.

"Digital broadcasting could offer an opportunity for a better deal for Wales. To achieve this, the Government must make combating our switchover difficulties a priority. Instead of falling off the dial, Wales should lead the way and be fully tuned in to digital.

Roger Williams MP recently led a delegation which met with Broadcasting Minister, James Purnell, bringing the issue to the UK Government's attention. Today is part of the "Save Our Local Services" campaign - the Welsh Liberal Democrats focus at the Eisteddfod.

Roger Williams MP, who has been leading the campaign at Westminster said:

"What is particularly distressing in this context however, is that Wales will be voting in Assembly elections in two years time which, following recent government proposals, are due to grant the Welsh Assembly Government primary law making powers. This will mark a huge change in the way Wales is run and held accountable and it is essential that all people across Wales are able to engage in this process.

"One image is worth a thousand words and television is a central part of political engagement. No television reception for 85,000 people is disenfranchising 85,000 people from modern society."

Diwedd/Ends.