Police inquiry as tenants leave

Colwyn Bay has many buy-to-let properties

Around 160 private housing tenants are having to look for new homes as police investigate the companies which own the properties.

The tenants in Colwyn Bay and Pensarn, Conwy had believed their homes were owned by property company Whalley Huws.

A community support group say they have helped many affected tenants find alternative accommodation.

North Wales Police are investigating a number of firms including Whalley Huws which was not available for comment.

Sylvia Gouland from the Colwyn District Enterprise Alliance, a community support group, said that tenants had been told to leave their homes.

"Those we did advise to go and see a solicitor were not entitled to legal aid.

"They had no grounds whatsoever," she added.

Rent

Ms Gouland said she had known some of the tenants for years and they had never defaulted on their rent.

She added that most of those affected had already left the properties involved.

The alliance helped many of them find other private rented accommodation, some are in emergency accommodation and she said others had moved away from the area.

None of the tenants contacted by BBC news were willing to go on the record about the situation.

Investigation

North Wales Police said they were looking into the matter.

"We can confirm that we are investigating a number of companies, one of which is Whalley Huws, and police are not in a position to release any further details," a spokesperson said.

In a statement Conwy council said: "If tenants have got any concerns they should contact Conwy's Housing Options and Support team.

"Citizens Advice Bureau and Shelter are also able to offer help and advice."