THE Welsh minister for lifelong learning and Welsh language Alun Davies has criticised a train company after it said it does not plan to use bilingual signs on its trains in South Wales.

Great Western Railway (GWR) tweeted that it had “no plans” to use the Welsh language on its new high-speed trains - which will travel between South Wales to London.

Mr Davies, who is also AM for Blaenau Gwent, criticised this decision and said the move by the company was “totally unacceptable” and “extremely disappointing”.

However, GWR stated that the decision for the trains to not have Welsh language services is because the train will not just serve South Wales.

A spokesman for GWR said: “We will continue with the same policy as we have with existing fleet of High Speed Trains. We don’t have Welsh speakers on every service and as the trains are used on different routes in England and Wales we don’t have plans to introduce bilingual signage.

“However, we will provide literature in Welsh on request.”

The Hitachi 800 engine arrived in Wales earlier this month. The new trains are capable of travelling at 148mph.

Speaking on GWR not having any bi-lingual signs or Welsh language services on its trains, a spokesman for the Welsh language commissioner said it is a “cause for concern”.

The spokesman said: “Great Western’s alleged lack of investment in the Welsh language is a cause for concern.

“In 2016 the Commissioner submitted a report to the Welsh Government recommending that Welsh language standards should be placed on train companies. The Commissioner continues to work with train companies and others to develop the use of the Welsh language on a voluntary basis, and discusses public concerns with them.”

Heledd Llwyd, rights spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith - a group that campaigns for Welsh language and communities in Wales - added: “It’s a matter of basic respect that signs and announcements are in Welsh - there’s no excuse not to. The fact that GWR has said it has no plans to deliver on those very basic commitments shows they’re not fit to run train services in Wales.”