AN UNDER-FIRE housing association has said it has been given assurances that it will retain its base and jobs in Newcastle Emlyn as it pushes ahead with merger plans.

Cantref is urging its 42 shareholders to vote through a merger with the larger Cardiff-based Wales and West housing association after a Welsh Government statutory inquiry into the association called for “robust action” to be taken.

The inquiry’s results and findings have not been made public and remain confidential.

Penri James, the vice-chair of Cantref, told members of Aberystwyth Town Council on Monday night that Wales and West responded “positively” to plans to retain Cantref’s Newcastle Emlyn base if the merger is approved at a special general meeting on 9 August.

“The intention is keep the base in Newcastle Emlyn and staff will be largely retained,” Mr James told council members.

“We can’t give a guarantee that all jobs will be kept, but that is our intention.

“We have sought assurances from Wales and West that the base will be in Newcastle Emlyn and we are satisfied as a board that that will be the case.”

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