The communities pressure group Cymuned has written to the leaders of all four political parties in the Welsh Assembly calling on them to work together to solve the housing crisis in Wales. Cymuned says that all the four manifestos recognised the need to take quick, practical action on the housing issue. Because it is more important than ever for the people of Wales to see the Assembly making a positive difference, it is vital for the parties to recognise the common ground they share on housing by establishing a committee to prepare a Housing Measure for Wales.

‘We have been very impressed by the fast, positive response we received from Nick Bourne,’ said Aran Jones, Cymuned’s Chief Executive. ‘The Conservative Party in Wales have shown a genuine willingness to work in sensible partnership with concerned groups in order to make a practical difference to the people of Wales, and we are looking forward to continuing our discussions with them.’

The Conservatives support the creation of an Assembly ad-hoc committee, or a Government Advisory Committee, to lead a consultation on the creation of an affordable housing market, with consideration of the creation of a secondary housing market as part of the solution.

‘We have not yet heard from the leaders of the other three parties,’ says Aran Jones, ‘but we are optimistic that they will respond positively to this opportunity to put co-operative politics into positive action. They have a real chance now to reach out beyond party lines in order to formulate bold new policies which will improve life for everyone in Wales.’

Cymuned believe that the establishment of a sustainable local housing market would prevent the current disintegration of communities throughout Wales, and provide a solid basis for the vital work of strengthening local economies in order to create a better future for the entire country. The group runs the Homes4Locals.com campaign to encourage people to get involved in their own communities and make a difference at grass-roots level.

For more details, contact Cymuned’s office on 01758-612712.

Rhostyllen resident Tara Green has spoken out against the proposed Erddig development and declared her support for Cymuned’s Homes4Locals.com campaign after her partner’s equestrian business at Hafod Farm was destroyed by the National Trust’s botched plans for Erddig. The site for the proposed Erddig development was not owned entirely by the National Trust, so they had to purchase land from a local farmer. They then refused to extend the lease for Hafod Farm, and offered it instead to new tenants taking over from the farmer who cashed in.

‘This is utterly unacceptable behaviour from the National Trust,’ said Aran Jones, Chief Executive of Cymuned. ‘They are supposed to be the guardians of heritage, and here they are engaged in blatant property speculation, and acting every bit as damagingly as any destructive, profits-orientated corporation.’

Local children who had kept horses at the Hafod Farm stables have had to give them up, and a sustainable local business has been ruined. Repeated appeals to the Council for help have been met with an absolute lack of response, and the National Trust’s involvement is looking increasingly dismissive of real local needs.

‘The National Trust is supposed to protect, not to destroy – in its thoroughly inappropriate greed to squeeze as much money as possible out of the Erddig development, it is trampling over local people and shattering lives,’ said Aran Jones. ‘There should be an Assembly enquiry into how the National Trust have behaved in this matter.’

Cymuned local organiser Carrie Harper said ‘I don’t know how the National Trust and Wrecsam Council are getting away with treating people like this. It makes me understand why so many people have lost faith in democracy – unless they are held to account, they will continue to put profits ahead of people.’

For more details, contact Cymuned’s office on 01758-612712.

Rhostyllen Community Council have refused permission for the communities pressure group Cymuned to hold a public meeting in the Rhostyllen Community Centre to discuss the proposed new village planned by the National Trust. Rhostyllen Community Council gave permission to the National Trust to hold a meeting in the the community centre, but is attempting to silence any possible alternative views in a way which makes a mockery of local democracy.

Determined to meet locally, Cymuned booked and paid for a room in the Bersham Sports and Social Club for the public meeting, explaining in detail the purpose of the meeting, and handing over posters to publicise the meeting. This week, Bersham Sports and Social Club manager Keith Sutton said that the meeting could not go ahead, because two members of Rhostyllen Community Council are on the Bersham Sports and Social Club board.

‘This is a blatant attempt to prevent open, democratic discussion,’ said Aran Jones, Chief Executive of Cymuned, ‘and if the Rhostyllen Community Council are not prepared to allow democratic discussion, they are not fit to represent the people of Rhostyllen.’

Bersham Sports and Social Club manager Keith Sutton has claimed that he was told the room was being booked for a ‘party’, but Cymuned local representative Carrie Harper has a receipt for her payment which is clearly marked ‘Meeting’.

‘These kind of lies and dirty attempts to prevent open discussion are exactly why people have so little faith in the political system,’ said Aran Jones. ‘This is a serious scandal, and the councillors behind it should be considering their positions.’

Cymuned local organiser Carrie Harper said ‘I have personally spoke to Mr Sutton and staff members on several occasions while organising this meeting. Our intentions were clearly stated to them, both over the phone and when the meeting was booked on Friday. I am absolutely appalled that they are now trying to stop us using the room.’

For more details, contact Cymuned’s office on 01758-612712.