Setting the record straight on Penrhys

We care deeply about Penrhys and the people who live here. So we want to share the real facts again, in clear and simple language.

• The new homes are needed because the current houses in Penrhys will not meet future housing quality standards.
• More homes are also needed to help with the housing crisis in RCT, caused by not enough homes being built over the last 50 years.
• Most of the new houses in Penrhys will be sold privately. They are designed for local families.
• Like every new housing estate, some homes will be for social housing tenants.
• All tenants living in Penrhys have been promised a new home there if they want one.
• They can stay on Penrhys during the building work, or move away and come back later to one of the new homes.
• Extra social homes (if any) will go to people on the local housing register.
  This includes people leaving the armed forces, people fleeing domestic abuse, families who have lost their rented home, and people whose health or disability means they need a new place to live.
• Last year, 96% of people given social housing in RCT already lived here or had local family or work links.
• Calling social housing tenants hurtful names is wrong. These are ordinary people who need safe homes.
• People who are under immigration control (under the 1996 Asylum and Immigration Act) are banned by law from having these new homes. People seeking asylum deserve safety and kindness, but they are not eligible for homes in Penrhys. Local people are already first in line for social housing.
• Trivallis is not part of the Council or Welsh Government. It is not run by politicians. It is a community mutual owned by its tenants.
• If there is any money made from the new homes it will be invested back into existing Trivallis homes.
• Our teams work very hard to carry out repairs, keep homes safe and support tenants.
  If you are having any problems with your Trivallis home, please contact us.
• Trivallis doesn’t have all the money to pay for the development. Most of it will come from public and private investment, just like all large building programmes.
• This development is expected to bring £140 million and more jobs into the local economy and help create long-term change.
• We are talking with Transport for Wales about a regular shuttle bus to Ystrad station, in addition to the usual bus services.
• The regeneration project aims to bring long-term jobs, skills and training to local people.
• The development will create chances for local people to work in construction, and also in areas like admin, logistics, support roles, traineeships and apprenticeships.
• Important historical sites in Penrhys, such as the statue of Our Lady and the Holy Well, will not be built on and will be very carefully protected.

We believe this development is something positive and exciting for RCT. That is why it upsets us to see inaccurate and untrue comments online that try to make people feel angry, frightened or divided. When people accuse us of lying it makes us feel disheartened, because we are trying our best to be open and honest. It is also hurtful to see groups of people blamed for problems that are not their fault.

The Valleys have always been known for kindness, strength and community spirit. We help our neighbours. We look out for each other. And when we stand together, we are at our strongest.

We hope Penrhys can continue to be a place where people feel proud, safe and welcome.