Housewife desperate for new home

Jun 21 2007 by Martin Williams, North Wales Weekly News

A STRUGGLING family of four has been forced to share a bedroom because their home is so small.

Jennie Laine, partner Carl Emberton, 24, and their two children Sophie, four, and six-month-old Kyle, are currently living in a tiny property on Cynfran Road, Llysfaen.

The couple have been on the housing list of Denbigh-based Tai Clwyd for over four years and believe they would have been moved earlier had they kicked up more of a fuss.

“It seems people that don’t work and claim benefits have more right to be allocated one of these houses, and that because my partner works and we had to move into this private house because there was no room at my parents’, we are not a priority,” said 22-year-old Jennie.

“We’re still in need of cheaper housing as we struggle to pay each month and there’s no space for the four of us.

“I’m unhappy because we are a working family on a low income. We’re unable to be allocated one of these houses, which we would respect and look after, unlike people from other areas that are fortunate enough to be allocated one but treat them badly.”

Jennie says Kyle will have to stay in their bedroom until they find a new place to live, and that they need to remain in Llysfaen because Sophie attends Ysgol Cynfran.

“He has to stay with us because there’s no room in my daughter’s bedroom, she can only fit her single bed and a set of drawers in there,” added Jennie.

“In our room we have a bed, my son’s cot and Sophie’s wardrobe as it won’t fit in her room.

“We are so desperate for a three-bedroomed house as there’s no room whatsoever in our present home. I know these houses have to go to people in need, but we are in desperate need.”

Gwynne Jones, director of housing for Tai Clwyd, responded: “We are unable to discuss individual applications but would comment that the lack of affordable housing is creating a huge demand on waiting lists for rented accommodation, especially in areas such as Llysfaen.

“We allocate housing using a points system based on those most in need of rehousing, and we have not received notice from any tenant in Llysfaen as yet stating that they are vacating a property.”

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