The Brecon Beacon National Park Authority, working in partnership with National Parks Wales, have decided that the Brecon Beacons should change its name to Bannau Brycheinog.
This decision has been prompted by the Welsh Government’s climate change agenda where its stated aim is to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2035.
National Parks Wales receives 75% of its funding from the Welsh Government and two-thirds of Members are appointed by the constituent local authority and the remainder by Welsh Government.
Catherine Mealing-Jones, the chief executive of Brecon Beacons National Park, said: “We’re an environmental organisation. We’re trying to cut carbon and push to net zero. So, having a carbon burning beacon just isn’t a good look.
“We’ve had awful wildfires over the last few years. So anything that kind of promotes that idea that fire in the landscape is a good thing made us feel that it probably wasn’t the look we’re going for.”
Surely the absurdity of that is obvious?
This decision has been taken without first consulting local people. This is what really concerns me. The Brecon Beacons are known internationally. They attract many tourists into the area. To change its name is a complete and utter folly and more to do with virtue signalling than of any benefit to the local area. I can’t think of anyone who was crying out for this change to be made.
People are tired of having the rug pulled from under their feet. Whether that is changing our place names, altering our history, or building huge wind farms with vast stretches of pylons on beautiful landscapes with a total lack of respect for the wishes of local people.
Local people should have been consulted on such a decision that affects our very identity and I believe local people should be able to have a vote on whether they endorse this move.
Our community deserves a voice in this matter.
