Love Island's Dr Alex George has faced backlash online after buying four cottages in Pembrokeshire. Recently, the doctor and reality TV star, who hails from Carmarthen, revealed that he had bought four holiday cottages in the county to renovate and lease out for holidaymakers, but has also decided to give one away to a Ukrainian family "for as long as they need".
The 31-year-old doctor took to social media on Sunday to confirm the news. Sharing a photo of him standing at the front door of one of the properties he's purchased, he wrote: "I’m so excited to announce that I’ve bought four holiday cottages in beautiful Pembrokeshire, in Wales. I initially bought these for my passion for property and renovation, as well as wanting to create relaxing spaces for families to holiday and enjoy the Welsh countryside in!
"With all of the current devastation in Ukraine, I have decided I would love one of the cottages to be home to a Ukrainian family for as long as they need. My plan is to start the renovations and get the properties into a good state to house a family as soon as possible."
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Although the social media influencer has been praised for wanting to help out Ukrainian refugees, many have criticised him for intending to turn the cottages into holiday homes. Following the backlash, the influencer defended his move in a post on Instagram adding that he had been subjected to "threats of violence".
In Wales, Pembrokeshire has the second highest number of second homes - making up more than 16% of the housing stock. You can read more about the Pembrokeshire second home crisis here.
Recently, the Welsh Government introduced tough new rules which would allow local authorities to set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties by up to 300% from April 2023. The aim of the new measure is to combat the number of second homes in rural Welsh communities.
Many took to social media to voice their concerns over Dr Alex George's decision. Twitter user, Nirvana Ayesha had this to say: "Dr Alex George posting on Instagram today about how he has bought 4 holiday homes in Pembrokeshire has been extremely disappointing and upsetting. Yes it is admirable that he is going to let a Ukrainian family live in one of the homes but what about the other 3 homes?… Pembrokeshire is going through a housing crisis and has been for some time now and the situation is not looking like it will improve any time soon".
Twitter account, Republic of Wales, said: "Amidst a housing shortage in Wales with many local residents priced out of their own community, Dr Alex George has bought 4 holiday homes in Pembrokeshire. He offers to house a Ukrainian family “as long as they need” but will eventually use all 4 properties as holiday homes."
UleyGirl responded with: "Don't understand how anyone claiming to be Welsh can do this. Invite b&b guests into your existing house where you live, yes. Rent out the room in your garden, yes. But buying to let to holiday makers? Nah."
In Welsh, Jason Morgan, said: "You can't claim to be a mental health ambassador, in a cost-living crisis that destroys people's lives in their millions, and then boast about your wealth by buying 4 houses. People with mental health problems are not the audience. The rich are the audience".
Twitter user, Emilee Louise, added: "Fair play to Dr Alex for saying with his chest that he's personally contributing to the second home crisis in Pembrokeshire by buying not one, but FOUR cottages to rent as holiday homes".
In response, Dr George said on his Instagram page that he had been subjected to "threats of violence".He also addressed people's concerns and said: "For clarification because it seems to have caused quite a lot of confusion... These 'cottages' are a singular converted farm put-house. These are on the land / property of another residential house.
"I am not going to disclose all the details of this because of the obvious (it's social media). There is good reason why we have opted for most to be for holiday stays and one of which can be for a refugee family and yes, afterwards a local if the family decide to leave.
"I appreciate those who have tried to respectfully share concerns about housing in the area. Sadly I have received a number of threats of violence which is never acceptable. Let alone abuse.
"You can take my word for it or not, these cottages would not be possible for residential purchase. If (I will not be pushing anyone out the door) and when the refugees wanted to leave. I will invite a local to rent the suitable flat.
"I would happily meet with local leaders to discuss housing in Pembrokeshire and see how I can support. I am an avid campaigner and activist myself but being respectful and reasonable should always be a baseline for discussion."
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