Where you live is usually much more than just bricks and mortar.

It is not just about your house, but about the deep connections you may have with that area and the people there.

Relationships with family and friends that have built up over generations are often the most important thing about the place where you live. When along comes a threat – whether real or perceived – to that bond with your community, emotions can run high.

As someone whose portfolio includes communities, I understand this.

Housing and its lack of affordability has been on the political agenda in Wales in recent months, with many calling for a swift and comprehensive response from Welsh Government. I recently attended a rally in Tryweryn on the housing crisis and it is fair to say that there is anger from people all over Wales who fear for the disintegration of their communities.

This has been the case with some residents in Somerton, Newport.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been contacted about concerns for the future of this estate which has been covered in the South Wales Argus.

I met with Newport City Homes to discuss their proposals for the 355 properties there; 203 of which are NCH-owned tenanted properties, leaving 153 privately owned.

In the meeting I was told that NCH have consulted with local residents but were hampered by coronavirus restrictions. This meant only a third of residents have responded. Since this initial consultation exercise, NCH employees have been going door-to-door to improve the response rate. I was told NCH are serious about getting the views and opinions of everyone living on the estate and that it was not anyone’s intention to displace residents and that close links would be retained where possible.

It was also explained to me that housing density would also be higher if the estate is to be redeveloped – with 355 properties being replaced by up to 490 as the estate would have some one bedroom flats constructed to address the long waiting list for them. It was also stressed on numerous occasions that Compulsory Purchase Orders are not an option.

Whether NCH’s statements on this are enough to reassure concerned residents in Somerton are yet to be seen. I urge everyone on the estate to engage with the consultation and make your opinion on the future of Somerton heard loud and clear.