THERE’S to be a warm welcome in the Island’s hillsides for the two Welsh holidaymakers who say they were banned from a Shanklin gift shop for speaking Welsh.
Keen to polish the Island’s tarnished image, Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh and authority chief executive Steve Beynon — himself Welsh — intervened to offer Rosemary Dean, 60, and her sister an all-expenses paid return holiday.
Mr Beynon said: "Irrespective what might have happened, visitors left with a negative impression of an island where we pride ourselves in being friendly and respectful.
"I want to make it clear this council does not condone discrimination in any form. I can understand the concerns of the people who took the trouble to contact us and I would like to assure them of our sincere belief all visitors should be treated with respect."
Cllr Pugh is planning to visit Grange Gifts, in Shanklin High Street, to talk to owner Sue Pratley, who says she asked the visitors to leave after a row developed when the two visitors discussed her stock in Welsh.
"It is in my ward and I will have a chat with Mrs Pratley, although I don’t want to get involved in a major diplomatic incident," said Cllr Pugh.
Mrs Dean, who lives near Swansea and who appeared on TV and in numerous interviews after lodging a discrimination complaint, said: "I was so pleased Cllr Pugh contacted us personally and the offer of a holiday is wonderful.
"Like nearly everyone else on the Island, he was friendly and welcoming, very kind.
"I am proud of speaking the ancient language of Welsh."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk