'Create local jobs' tops Lake Vyrnwy estate survey

Land around the lake is to be sold in four lots

The creation of local jobs by a new owner is the top priority for people living on a 23,000-acre estate which is up for sale, a survey suggests.

The north Powys beauty spot valued at £11m has a conservation area, nature reserve, sites of special scientific interest and several farms.

Llanwddyn Community Council asked villagers to list their top priorities.

The findings will be discussed at a public meeting in the village on Wednesday night.

The community council asked 206 people for their views and 94 responded, while 44 of those provided additional comments.

Sixty eight people put "create opportunities for local employment" top of the list, while 67 called for improvements to property maintenance.

Among those who have bid for the rural estate is businessman Rhys Jones.

Mr Jones, 41, who lives in Poland but is from near Bala in Gwynedd, is chief executive of Celtic Property Development.

RSPB Cymru and Mid Wales Housing Association have also submitted a joint bid for the estate.

But some of the survey respondents who provided additional comments expressed some criticism of the charity's bid.