Mid Wales Housing Association, based in Newtown, and RSPB Cymru have joined forces in a bid to purchase the Lake Vyrnwy Estate.
If successful, the partnership will ensure the local community of Llanwddyn and nearby villages truly benefit from the sale of the estate by owners Severn Trent Water.
Shane Perkins, Chief Executive of Mid Wales Housing Association explained: “For its part, RSPB Cymru has the skills needed to manage the estate’s varied habitats and in-hand farm, Tŷ Llwyd. Mid-Wales Housing Association has similar strengths in the forms of property management and commitment to affordable housing. We are therefore convinced that the partnership is a natural fit and offers the best possible outcome for the local community. Not only will current residents be assured that their local environment will be looked after and their standard of living maintained, but also more affordable houses will be available for those wanting to stay in the area who are struggling to get on the property ladder.”
Laurence Rose, RSPB Cymru’s Acting Director said: “When the Liverpool Corporation began the construction of the Lake Vyrnwy Dam in the 19th century they promised to ensure the local community benefited from the development. More than a century on, Severn Trent Water now have the opportunity to keep that promise by ensuring the Estate is sold to organisations whose main drivers are the interests of the public and the local community.”
Earlier this month RSPB Cymru, on behalf of a number of public interest partners, placed an offer to Severn Trent Water to purchase the whole estate, while Mid Wales Housing Association placed an offer for Lot 4
Laurence Rose added: “We stand by our belief that the main purpose of the Vyrnwy Estate is to provide public benefits, including clean drinking water, a high quality wildlife experience, a beautiful landscape in which to live, work and enjoy, and even reducing the amount of carbon lost to the atmosphere, helping in the fight against climate change. It is therefore essential the land remains under the management of organisations whose main purposes are to provide these benefits to the public and in particular ensure the best possible outcome for the local community.”
Are you a member of the RSPB? Nature is amazing, help us keep it that way. To join contact me on roger.whiteway@rspb.org.uk
I sincerely hope the RSPB and the Mid Wales housing trust will be-able to work something out to purchase all the land at Lake Vyrnwy
Have you thought of asking members to make a donation towards purchasing, I realise you may not be-able to raise enough and the rest comes from the RSPB but as the saying goes "Every Little Helps".
I would be happy to make a donation, it is a site well worth saving, next year I hope to spend a lot more time their with my Grandsons.
Hope all goes well.
Beth