SHAREHOLDERS in the troubled Cantref housing association have voted to merge with Wales and West Housing.

The move follows several months of talks after the Cambrian News revealed early this year that the Newcastle Emlyn-based organisation was the subject of an inquiry being undertaken by the Welsh Government’s statutory regulator.

Then in March, chief executive Lynne Sacale resigned after 10 years at the helm prompting Hilary Jones, chief executive of the Carmarthen-based Bro Myrddin Housing Association, to take temporary charge.

Chairman of the board David Wilcox also stepped down from his role “enabling the board to take a fresh approach following the report into Cantref’s operations by the Welsh Government”.

The merger – which will see the Newcastle Emlyn base retained but the Cantref name disappear, was approved at the meeting on Tuesday of last week.

Kevin Taylor, interim chair of Cantref said: “Cantref is delighted that shareholders have voted in favour of merging with Wales and West Housing and the decision represents the start of a new, exciting and positive future for housing services in the region."

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