Dr Alex gets ‘threats’ over holiday cottages
CELEBRITY medic Dr Alex George has faced an online backlash after buying four cottages in Pembrokeshire.
The doctor and Love Island star, from Carmarthen, bought the four cottages to renovate and lease out to holidaymakers, but, as we reported last week, he pledged to give one away to a Ukrainian family “for as long as they need”.
The 31-year-old wrote on social media: “I’m so excited to announce that I’ve bought four holiday cottages in beautiful Pembrokeshire, in Wales. I initially bought these for my passion for property and renovation, as well as wanting to create relaxing spaces for families to holiday and enjoy the Welsh countryside in!
“With all of the current devastation in Ukraine, I have decided I would love one of the cottages to be home to a Ukrainian family for as long as they need.
“My plan is to start the renovations and get the properties into a good state to house a family as soon as possible.”
But although Dr George was praised for wanting to help out Ukrainian refugees, many criticised him for intending to turn the cottages into holiday homes.
Some, he said, had even threatened violence.
Twitter user Nirvana Ayesha said: “Dr Alex George posting on Instagram today about how he has bought 4 holiday homes in Pembrokeshire has been extremely disappointing and upsetting. Yes it is admirable that he is going to let a Ukrainian family live in one of the homes but what about the other 3 homes?... Pembrokeshire is going through a housing crisis and has been for some time now and the situation is not looking like it will improve any time soon”.
Uleygirl tweeted: “Don’t understand how anyone claiming to be Welsh can do this. Invite b&b guests into your existing house where you live, yes. Rent out the room in your garden, yes. But buying to let to holiday makers? Nah.”
In Welsh, Jason Morgan, added: “You can’t claim to be a mental health ambassador, in a cost-living crisis that destroys people’s lives in their millions, and then boast about your wealth by buying 4 houses. People with mental health problems are not the audience. The rich are the audience”.
Twitter user Emilee Louise added: “Fair play to Dr Alex for saying with his chest that he’s personally contributing to the second home crisis in Pembrokeshire by buying not one, but FOUR cottages to rent as holiday homes”.
In response, 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 out-house. 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 (I will not be pushing anyone out the door) 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.”