CORNWALL Council's decision to replace worn out road signs with ones bearing both the English and Cornish name of a town or village has been welcomed by those in the language community.

Grand Bard Mick Paynter described the move as "a huge step forward" and applauded all those who had campaigned for the policy, as well as all those on the council who voted to implement it.

"Konsel Kernow (Cornwall Council) has decided to adopt as best practice the approach pioneered by Kerrier," he said. "This is a huge step forward. These signs will teach Cornish words to many people and will come at no extra cost to the tax payer. The council has also decided to consider the use of Kernewek in its business, for example in departmental titles. I'd like to suggest they start with the council's own name and a Kernewek name for the former County Hall. I'm sure everyone in the language movement and those who work for Cornwall will join me in congratulating those bards and others who developed the policy in Kerrier and proved it workable – and of course to those councillors for their magnificent vote."

Although the majority vote, which was taken last week, inevitably annoyed those who remain inexplicably opposed to the further development of Cornwall's unique language, the loudest voices were in support.

The decision, which follows the lead of the old Kerrier District Council, means that any street or place name that needs to be replaced through damage of wear will bear both languages. And because the cost of bilingual and monolingual signs is the same there is no financial implication for taxpayers. The draft policy also makes provision for the council to recognise Cornwall's distinctive culture and for Cornish to be promoted in line with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Council premises will also get new signs and councillors are asked to consider using Cornish in all future publications, promotional literature and its website. The recently agreed standard written form of the language will be used.

Mebyon Kernow leader Dick Cole, who is a member of Cornwall Council, said the new signs would benefit the Cornish economy. He said: "Cornwall's uniqueness is its Celtic heritage and we have to promote that as a brand to attract more overseas visitors. This is vitally important when trying to make an area stand out."

Councillors will be working with the Cornwall Cultural Partnership to bring the changes in. The umbrella group is made up organisations dedicated to promoting Cornish language, culture and sport, including the Cornish Language Partnership (CLP).

Jenefer Lowe, development manager for the CLP, said interest in the language is increasing. She said: "The language is an important part of Cornish culture and is something that should be celebrated. We run a translation service and receive requests for everything from business names to wedding vows to tattoos. I think people will be very receptive to the signs."

Bookings are now being taken for next year's Cornish Language Weekend, which takes place from April 9 to 11. Kowethas An Yeth Kernewek will be hosting the event, which is designed for all those interested in speaking the Cornish language. The language weekend, at Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay, will cater for complete beginners through to advanced speakers with a range of classes, activities and talks to suit all levels. Entertainment and an excursion are also planned.