The future of the Welsh Language is a very sensitive and important subject

Chairman of the Assembly's Culture Committee Rhodri Glyn Thomos

Members of the Welsh Language Society, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, also held an all night vigil in support for the future of Welsh speaking communities on Friday night.

The protest follows a week of campaigning which included a fast by an activist outside the assembly building.

Last month Cymdeithas collected signatures from throughout Wales on a petition in support of their cause.

Assembly Culture Committee Chairman Plaid Cymru's Rhodri Glyn Thomos received the petition from the activists on Saturday.

Housing market

"I am extremely disappointed that no one from the Government of Wales is available to receive this very important document," he said.

"As chairman of the culture committee I feel it an obligation to make the effort and listen to what Cymdeithas yr Iaith have to say.

"The future of the Welsh Language is a very sensitive and important subject and we all, as elected members of the Assembly, have a responsibility to listen to people who have strong views on this matter".

The society are calling on the assembly to secure the future of Welsh speaking communities by introducing a new Welsh Language Act.

They are also demanding new legislation ensuring local people in these communities are not priced out of the housing market.