News release

Romsey Road
SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom, SO16 4GU
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/media/

24 July 2003

Ordnance Survey launches Welsh website

Online resources for Welsh speakers

Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales (centre) with Ordnance Survey's Bryn Jones (left) and Geoff Norris (right).

Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and Leader of the House of Commons (centre), previews Ordnance Survey's new Welsh Language Web Site on its stand at the Royal Welsh Show. Joining him are Ordnance Survey's Bryn Jones (left) and Geoff Norris.

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Ordnance Survey has launched an innovative Welsh language web site www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/cymraeg allowing Welsh speakers to view and buy mapping online and download extracts for free.

They can also discover more about Ordnance Survey – or Arolwg Ordnans as it is known in Welsh – including how its geographical information benefits consumers, government and business.

The site includes online resources for journalists and educational tools for children and teachers. It is one of a range of products and services for Welsh speakers.

“We have a dedicated Welsh language helpline and much of our promotional material and paper maps are now produced bilingually for customers in Wales,” says Bryn Jones, Ordnance Survey’s Welsh Media Executive.

Latest census results show a 2% rise in the number of Welsh speakers, more than 20% of people in Wales now speak Welsh and more than 28% are able to understand Welsh.

“We are delighted to play our part in supporting the Welsh language,” says Vanessa Lawrence, Ordnance Survey Director General and Chief Executive. “Through this new online service Welsh speakers are only a click away from information about the whole range of Ordnance Survey mapping – from our famous paper products to the most detailed digital mapping.”

Welsh speakers can also contact Ordnance Survey’s dedicated Welsh helpline on 08456 050504 for more information.

Ordnance Survey's Welsh Language Web Site

Chief Press Officer - Scott Sinclair: Email: scott.sinclair@ordnancesurvey.co.uk; Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2265
Senior Press Officer - Kate Kemp: Email: kate.kemp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk; Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2977
Press Officer - Paula Good: Email: paula.good@ordnancesurvey.co.uk; Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2635
Press Officer - Paul Beauchamp: Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk; Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2568
Press Office Co-ordinator - Pauline Hand: Email: pauline.hand@ordnancesurvey.co.uk; Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2251

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8030 5295