Welsh Film Heritage Under Fire - Burnham

9.20.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Oct 2006

Eleanor Burnham AM has stepped up in defence of film heritage in North Wales in a letter to Enterprise Minister Andrew Davies, as plans to downsize the highly successful Wales Screen Commission in Caernarfon are drawn up.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, expressed grave concern over the future of the region's cultural film heritage after it was revealed that the Wales Screen Commission in Caernarfon would be assimilated into a Creative Industries "hub" based in Cardiff.

Ms Burnham said "The Wales Screen Commission has contributed vastly to highlighting the film heritage across our country, notably through the recent success of its Film Trails, which have proved to be a fantastic tourist attraction and cultural boost throughout areas including North Wales.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the relocation of the expertise that has been seen in Caernarfon. I understand that tourism is being touted as a major financial draw within Wales, but the attitude towards such cultural organisations as mere business concerns is destroying regionally based attractions as provided by the WSC.

"At a time when the Welsh Assembly Government is trying to spread their own civil service throughout Wales and reduce the grip of Cardiff over government administration, I have to wonder if Andrew Davies is listening to his colleagues.

"I hope that Mr Davies will think long and hard about the decisions he and the government are taking, particularly when people who have worked tirelessly to promote Wales' film history and put North Wales on the map face losing their jobs.

"I have urged the Minister to consider the future of the WSC and the cultural contribution of the organisation to Wales carefully. Any decision-making processes must be conducted in full view of the Welsh Assembly, so that we can be sure we aren't losing valuable organisations right before our eyes."