THE sale of an historic chapel in Pistyll has disappointed local politicians, prompting them to call for the formation of a specific housing association for the Llyn Peninsula.

The Bethania Chapel building, which dates back to 1875, has been sold for £257,000, more than double the starting price. This is despite the fundraising efforts of campaigners.

It was built by the people of Pistyll, and is associated with the Welsh pacifist, poet and preacher Tom Nefyn Williams.

MS Mabon ap Gwynfor and MP Liz Saville Roberts have called for the housing association which they say is urgently needed to address the worsening housing crisis facing communities across Pen Llyn.

In a joint statement, they said: "Despite the tireless efforts of local campaigners, it is very disappointing that yet another historic building, rooted in the traditions of life in Pen Ll?n has been prized from the grasp of the community and sold to the highest bidder.

“The Welsh government has failed to address this crisis. Their apathy has allowed this to escalate to a point where communities face the perfect storm; a local housing crisis as demand for social housing outstrips supply, whilst the volume of second homes and buy-to-let properties spirals out of control.

“We urgently need greater legislative controls around the volume of houses that can transfer from primary homes to second homes or buy-to-let holiday accommodation.

“There is also a pressing case for a Llyn-specific housing body, with a focus on providing local people with affordable, reliable homes.

"The housing crisis facing communities in Pen Llyn is indicative of the growing inequality right across the UK, but rural communities are bearing the brunt, with the lack of affordable housing aggravated by rising volumes of second homes, pushing up house prices way beyond the reach of local salaries.

“If this crisis isn’t addressed now, we will inevitably see further depopulation, threatening the sustainability of our communities for future generations.”