Our discussions on work will concentrate on economic development and the importance of keeping our young people in Welsh-speaking communities

Robat Gruffudd

Set up to protect Welsh heartland communities from losing their identity amidst the influx of English incomers, Cymuned held its launch meeting at Mynytho on the Lleyn Peninsula in north Wales in July.

Crymych in Pembrokeshire and Cardiff have also seen launch meetings of the group.

This weekend's conference is concentrating on the theme of 'Homes, Work and Language' and will look at policy in all three areas.

"Housing is at the centre of this crisis," said Cymuned spokesman, Robat Gruffudd.

"We will be looking at the steps that can be taken to tackle the housing and in-migration issue and the effect this has on the survival of Welsh as a community language."

"Our discussions on work will concentrate on economic development and the importance of keeping our young people in Welsh-speaking communities."

Cymuned was launched at Mynytho

The continuing row over the future of Welsh communities dominated this year's National Eisteddfod at Denbigh.

Then a former chairman of the Welsh Language Board John Elfed Jones likened inmigration into Wales as a "human form of foot-and-mouth disease.

And a Plaid Cymru National Executive Member Gwilym ab Ioan was forced to resign his position after describing Wales as a "dumping ground for oddballs and misfits"

Mr Gruffudd said the debate on language would focus on encouraging and enabling incomers to learn Welsh and integrate into the community.

The conference will also be considering ways of strengthening language policies in Wales.

"We are proud that Cymuned is holding a holistic policy conference like this within a few months of being established.

"It shows that we are serious about tackling the problems that face Welsh-speaking Wales."

After the conference Cymuned is to draw up detailed policy proposals for the Welsh Assembly.

Cymuned will be submitting written and oral evidence to the assembly's housing and culture committees on 7 November.