A property company has shelved a decision to sell some of its properties following a backlash from tenants who would have been left homeless.

Residents in the small village of Abertridwr, near Lake Vyrnwy, renting properties from Towncore Properties Ltd were shocked to receive formal notices from the company on March 22 informing them that the properties would be sold and their tenancies would end in six months.

Following backlash from both the tenants and local councillors, the company has now said it will not be selling the properties "At the present moment".

The letters sent on March 22 stated: “Towncore Properties have been undertaking a review of their properties as to their long-term future.

“Unfortunately, as a result of this review it has been established that this property no longer forms part of their future plans and they are now looking to sell the property with vacant possession.

“Your landlord appreciates that you have been long term tenants and this will come as a big surprise to you.”

The notice was met with widespread backlash from residents, with a village meeting between tenants affected and local councillors being held on March 26 to address the issue.

Councillor Bryn Davies said: “It’s a shocking event for the residents affected, many of whom are not in a position to purchase the properties and would be at risk of being made homeless in their own communities.”

Cllr Davies, along with Senedd Members Cefin Campbell and Russell George, penned a letter addressed to Towncore Properties Ltd.

The letter stated: “Of course it is the purpose of all businesses to operate profitably, however good businesses operate within a social and moral environment.

“It is absolutely reasonable to offer tenants the opportunity to purchase the properties but this should not be accompanied with the threat of eviction.”

Soon after, on March 29, Towncore sent another letter to their tenants, saying: “Regarding your landlord’s decision to sell your rented properties, due to strength of opinion Towncore will no longer be looking to dispose of the property at the present moment.”

In a separate statement sent to the County Times, the company said: "Towncore Properties Ltd has decided it will no longer be selling the properties in Abertridwr at this stage and the tenants will be notified of its decision."

Regarding the news that the selling of the properties had been postponed, Mr Davies said: “It comes as a relief that the threat of imminent eviction isn’t there, but it still leaves these residents in limbo concerning their future.

“We are hoping to work with local housing associations and Towncore to see if a compromise can be reached over who will take on these properties.”