THE chief executive of Cantref, the Newcastle Emlyn-based housing association, has left the organisation just weeks after the Cambrian News revealed it was the subject of an ongoing inquiry being undertaken by the Welsh Government’s statutory regulator.

A statement on the company’s website confirmed that Lynne Sacale had ended her 10-year spell as Cantref head while the investigation into the association’s current management arrangements and practices continues.

In a further twist, the company has also disclosed that chairman of the board David Wilcox has voluntarily stepped down from his role “enabling the board to take a fresh approach following the report into Cantref’s operations by the Welsh Government”.

Cantref provides 1,406 homes and housing services to communities across west Wales and employs a workforce of 70.

A former pupil of Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych, Ms Sacale took over at the helm of Tai Cantref in November 2005.

Since Ms Sacale stepped aside from her duties, Hilary Jones, the chief executive of the Carmarthen-based Bro Myrddin Housing Association, has taken temporary charge the housing association.

“Cantref can confirm that its chief executive, Lynne Sacale, has left the employment of the organisation and we wish her every success in her future endeavours and would like to thank her for her hard work during her time with the company,” says the statement.

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