Dr Alex defends plan to rent out holiday homes
FORMER Love Island star Dr Alex George has vowed to go ahead with his plan for holiday homes in Wales despite receiving online abuse after buying four cottages in a Welsh village.
The doctor and reality TV star, from Carmarthen, revealed earlier this year that he had bought four holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire to renovate and lease out to holidaymakers. He has also decided to give one away to a Ukrainian family – but while the social media influencer has been praised for wanting to help refugees, many have criticised him for planning to turn the cottages into holiday homes.
Many young people in Pembrokeshire say they are being priced out of buying homes in their own communities because of the influx of secondhome buyers. But Dr Alex, 31, has said that his family had “every right” to run a business as others do in the area, and described it as a “classic case of people interpreting things when they don’t know the full picture”.
He told BBC Wales: “In this situation, a house that my parents live in that has an outbuilding that has been converted to four attached cottages – I think it’s a very different situation to what people understand. My parents have every right to run a business as every other Airbnb or hotel in the region does as well.
“We’re not developers buying swathes of land and converting it into holiday homes, that’s just not the case, quite frankly. Lots of my family are builders or work in that area, and clearly there are issues with housing, but ultimately we need to look at solutions that include building more houses or making more affordable houses available.”
He added he is from the area and has three or four generations of his family there.
Following the backlash, the influencer defended his move in a post on Instagram, adding that he had been subjected to “threats of violence”.
In response to earlier criticism, Dr George said on his Instagram page: “For clarification because it seems to have caused quite a lot of confusion. These ‘cottages’ are a singular converted farm outhouse. These are on the land/property of another residential house.
“I am not going to disclose all the details of this because of the obvious (it’s social media). There is good reason why we have opted for most to be for holiday stays and one of which can be for a refugee family and yes, afterwards a local if the family decide to leave.
“I appreciate those who have tried to respectfully share concerns about housing in the area. Sadly I have received a number of threats of violence, which is never acceptable. Let alone abuse.
“You can take my word for it or not, these cottages would not be possible for residential purchase. If and when the refugees wanted to leave. I will invite a local to rent the suitable flat.
“I would happily meet with local leaders to discuss housing in Pembrokeshire and see how I can support. I am an avid campaigner and activist myself but being respectful and reasonable should always be a baseline for discussion.”
In this situation, a house that my parents live in that has an outbuilding that has been converted to four attached cottages – I think it’s a very different situation to what people understand Dr Alex George
PUPILS, parents and staff have celebrated the 150th anniversary of one of Carmarthenshire’s primary schools.
Ysgol Bancyfelin, which was built in 1872, boasts alumni including Welsh rugby players Jonathan and James Davies, and former internationals Mike Phillips and Delme Thomas.
An open day was held on Saturday, April 30, followed by a social evening at the village hall where past staff, pupils and friends of the school had an opportunity to visit their school and catch up with old friends.
There was cake-cutting with the oldest former pupil, 99-year-old Ida
Evans.
Ysgol Bancyfelin is part of a new federation which includes nearby Ysgol Llansteffan and Ysgol Llangain.
Headteacher Trefina Jones said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 150 years of education in the village of Bancyfelin.
“After two years of restrictions because of the pandemic, it was great for the community and past pupils to meet up and reminisce about their time at Ysgol Bancyfelin.
“There were displays of old photographs and the unveiling of a new work of art produced by the current pupils under the guidance of artist Louise Jones.”
She added: “As we celebrate the special anniversary of Ysgol Bancyfelin, as the present headteacher of the school I look back with pride at the achievements of everybody that has been involved with the school, both staff and pupils.
“We are proud of all achievements, be it on the international sports field, in glittering careers or serving the local community, be it that of those that have stayed in the locality of Bancyfelin or those who have moved to other villages, towns or, indeed, across the world.
“We now look on with optimism and hope that the school will flourish in the future and keep providing the best education possible for the young people of the area for years to come.”
Carwen Earles, chair of governors at the three federated schools, said: “This celebration of 150 years offers us a time to reflect on past achievements and look forward to a happy and successful future.”