Our first place to call home
Families are settling into their new homes in the Pembrokeshire village of Maenclochog.
Welsh speaker Catrin Davies and her two daughters moved into one of the 11 new homes at Ger Y Lein Fach, Maenclochog in December.
Wales & West Housing (WWH) worked in partnership with Ammanford-based construction company TRJ Ltd to build the 2 and 3-bed houses and bungalows on land close to the village’s Globe Inn.
The scheme was developed in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and was part-funded by a Welsh Government Social Housing Grant.
The development’s name Ger Y Lein Fach was chosen by pupils from Ysgol Gymunedol Maenclochog and was inspired by the location which is close to a former railway line.
Catrin said: “I work in the village, and my sister and her family also live in the village, so it’s a great location for us as a family.”
“We were living with my parents on their farm, which was remote. By moving here my daughters can see their cousins more often.”
“The house is so warm, the rooms are big and the garden is nice. We are going to have a much easier life here.”
Resident Catrin Davies
“A place to call home” is how mum-to-be Bethany Jenkins and husband Cory described their new house. Pregnant with their fourth child, the family also moved in in December.
“We’ve been living in a wooden lodge in my mum’s garden for the last four years, so it’s nice to have a place we can call our own home.”
Another new resident Michelle Engleman says she “couldn’t believe it” when she first walked into their two-bedroom house with her three-year-old daughter Leia.
Michelle grew up in Maenclochog and works for a local catering and events business. She said: “We were living with my dad, so it’s going to be nice to have our own space.”
“There is a great need in Maenclochog and surrounding area for secure permanent homes that local families, who live or work in the area, can afford to rent and heat.”
Housing Manager Glenda Bowen
“We have worked closely with Choice Homes Pembrokeshire to allocate the homes to people with a local connection who need them most.
“It is a beautiful, quiet location in the Preseli Hills and we hope everyone moving in will be happy and safe.”
