Gwynedd has become the first local authority to declare its support for Welsh independence.

Councillors backed a motion, with an overwhelming majority in favour of Wales becoming a sovereign nation.

But a Liberal Democrat member, who opposes indepenence said the move would be a “disaster”.

The council’s decision comes after at least 17 community councils backed similar motions .

Plaid Cymru councillor Nia Jeffreys put forward the largely symbolic he motion at a meeting in Caernarfon on Thursday.

She said: “We’re facing a hard Brexit and are used to Westminster playing silly games while ignoring Wales.

“They (the Government) are putting their own party’s unity ahead of our economy. It would be easy to fall into a pool of despair but there is hope, there is a mood for change.”

While Wales has been politically aligned to England and later the United Kingdom since 1282, recent opinion polls have seen a rise in support for the idea of Wales breaking away.

Gwynedd’s county town of Caernarfon is also set to hold a pro-independence rally on July 27.

“We have our problems but surely we would be better off if we had a government that worked for Wales alone,” added fellow Plaid Cymru member, Mair Rowlands.

“We need powers over our natural resources.”

But while any constitutional change could only happen following an agreement between the Welsh and UK Governments – a referendum would also be needed before any break-up could take place.

But support for independence was not unanimous with Liberal Democrat, Stephen Churchman, claiming it had the potential to be “disastrous.”

“We have no industry to speak of and our economy is in tatters,” he said.

“We won’t get the same deal as we already have in the EU and we need to fight Brexit together.

“I wholeheartedly agree with more devolution and autonomy but independence would be a disaster. If Britain falls apart it will sink”

Beth Lawton, an independent member said the authority should concentrate on issues closer to home.

But support for the motion was not limited to Plaid Cymru ranks alone, with Llais Gwynedd members Alwyn Gruffydd and Owain Williams both speaking in favour of the principle of an independent Wales.

“It’s outside of these doors that we need to preach, there’s no point preaching to the converted,” said Cllr Williams.

“Some of us have dedicated our lives to fighting for Wales but we need to keep that in mind. Its persuading people out there that’s important.”

The motion was carried by 44 votes to four with five abstentions.