It does seem from a comment left on yesterday’s post that we can’t have both worlds: we cannot expect Rhuthun to remain the gift-wrapped ‘jewel in the Vale’, without the benefit of people whose salaries can afford to maintain it. At least, that was the essence of yesterday’s comment.The commenter suggests that few in Rhuthun are paid sufficiently to buy one of the new houses at Glasdir. She feels that people locally have little choice but to commute out. We’ve suggested before that, actually, this isn’t a choice. And, to paraphrase, the commenter was also suggesting we need commuters to move in, whether we like it or not.
Part of the plan for an economically sustainable Rhuthun was always to sanction building land at Glasdir (and light industrial space opposite at some time in the future). Given its scale, it was always likely that most of it would go to people from outside the area. That about 20 per cent of the development is earmarked as more affordable housing ensures local young people have an opportunity to benefit from it, too, should they chose to do so.
We’ve also said before that an increased population will help in securing the future of Rhuthun’s businesses, whether in town or on Lôn Parcwr, whether retail or commercial. Is it therefore time to bury the Glasdir hatchet, as the commenter suggests, and welcome whomsoever should arrive?
We’ve managed to do so with Erw Goch and more recently with Parc Brynhyfryd, after all. Both of these developments were predicted to change the face of Rhuthun.