CAMPAIGNERS from mid Wales joined a rally in Cardiff calling for housing to be a key issue at the upcoming Welsh Assembly elections.

Some campaigners even cycled from Builth Wells to the Homes for Wales rally in Cardiff organised by a campaign group including housing associations and bodies representing tenants, landlords and home builders.

Shane Perkins, chief executive of Mid-Wales Housing said: “We are proud supporters of this campaign. There remains a chronic undersupply of affordable housing throughout Wales.

"In the Mid-Wales region, recent research shows a need for around 450 new homes a year, a target under-provided for at the moment. By joining together, we can speak with one voice and stand behind one simple message,’End the Housing Crisis, build a Stronger Wales’”.

Stuart Ropke, chief executive of Community Housing Cymru and Homes for Wales member, said: “In a recent poll by the Wales Governance Centre, housing featured sixth on the list of priorities of the Welsh electorate ahead of May’s election. The top five priorities were Health, Immigration, Economy, Welfare and Education - we know that good quality affordable housing is key to these priorities and that’s what we’ll be promoting at the Homes for Wales rally today.”

Kevin Howell, director of CIH Cymru and Homes for Wales member said: “The housing crisis in Wales is all too real. Since 2008, house prices have risen by 16%. 152,000 20-34 years old still live at home, and 8,596 families have been on the housing waiting list since before the last election. The campaign’s message is simple - it calls for the next Welsh Government to commit to publishing an ambitious plan for housing as part of the new programme for government which sets out how they will end the housing crisis in Wales.”

Over a thousand people have supported the campaign online and celebrity supporters include Hollywood actor Michael Sheen, legend Max Boyce, comedian Rhod Gilbert, film producer and actor Jonny Owen and BAFTA award-winning actress Vicky McClure.