Eyesore derelict Wrexham homes to be given new lease of life after 15 years

A bitter row has erupted over who should take the credit for bringing an eyesore development back to life.

Labour candidates in Ruabon say their hard work solved the problem of a group of houses that had lain empty for 15 years.

But Plaid Cymru has hit back saying the claims ignore the work of one of their councillors who has since died.

Community councillors have been pushing for a solution to the problem of the properties off High Street, Ruabon , since they were built and left empty by developers in 2000.

After a lengthy legal wrangle, the empty houses are now owned by the Crown, who will transfer them to Wrexham Council for Wales and West Housing Association to demolish them and build new homes for social tenants.

Dana Davies, who campaigned to have something done with the properties, said: “In November, I reassured residents that this issue remained a priority for me and for Ruabon, so I’m thrilled that a successful conclusion is imminent and these houses can finally be put to good use for people who need them.

“It’s been a long, drawn-out legal process, but we are nearly there now and I’m looking forward to work starting on these properties as soon as possible.”

But Plaid Cymru ’s Clwyd South spokesman, Mabon ap Gwynfor disputed her claims.

He said: “I remember walking the streets of Ruabon with the then councillor Barrie Price and he was campaigning to have something done with these houses.

“And credit to the community council, they carried on with his campaign.

“And two years ago I picked up the baton to get the issue resolved. We had a petition, we took it to the council and we lobbied for something to be done.

“And during all of this the current councillor was nowhere to be seen. That is not to say she has not done anything at all. But to claim that she spearheaded the campaign without giving any regard to the sterling work of those who went before her is at best disingenuous and opportunistic.”

Wrexham council tried to force the sale of the properties on numerous occasions. The owners being an offshore limited company – which went into liquidation last year – further complicated matters.

But Ms Davies accused Mr ap Gwynfor of being the opportunistic one. She said: “Where was Mabon last November when there was another delay in this process. He has not done anything at all except get his picture taken in front of the houses and then put in a petition calling for them to be turned into Armed Forces housing .

“But he just didn’t understand or know that these buildings don’t have building regulations. That means they are just not suitable for that, they need to be demolished. His idea was a non-starter. It does my head in, because it’s election time there are three other candidates trying to take credit for these houses.”

Her fellow council candidate, Callum Edwards, said: “This is great news for Ruabon. Dana has worked incredibly hard on this for a long, long time and she’s done a brilliant job. This is a perfect example of a local representative working hard on an important local issue and delivering for local people.”

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