'Another £11,500 and I'll get out,' says Newtown bypass row home owner
A homeowner who is refusing to leave his house which is in the path of Newtown's new bypass, has claimed if he is paid another £11,500 on top of what he has been offered, he will move out.
Robert Roberts woke to find police on his land last week, and claimed he was being barricaded in his own home.
It came after a two-year stand-off between the homeowner on Pool Road nd the Welsh Government. Mr Roberts’ house sits on the route of the Newtown bypass, and he was offered a sum of money to move from his property.
However a two-year fight is still going on as he claims the government isn’t offering what his home is worth. He has now said a further £11,500 on top of the offer and he will make way.
He said: “Another £11,500 on top of the offer and I will move out, that is what my home is worth.
“They’ve taken my land and it is not fair.
“That is the true value of my home, and if it is paid then I will go.”
Last week Mr Roberts claimed he was going to be put under house arrest.
The following day he had police on his land, and has claimed he will still not be moved.
On another matter, Mr Roberts is wanting compensation for cracks and damage caused to his home, he claims by the construction.
But a letter to Mr Roberts from Davis Meade surveyors says the government does not believe the damage was caused by them.
The letter from the surveyors also says “they (the government) will not accept responsibility even if the damage was caused by their works as these were done within legally acceptable limits as part of the scheme.”
Davis Meade goes on to say: “If that is the case, then the cost of redecorating would fall to the Welsh Government, but again we would have to prove the damage was caused by the works and the cracks were not there beforehand.”
Mr Roberts said: “They should have liability insurance that covers this. If I do someone’s roof and cause damage, I am covered by liability insurance.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Construction of the Newtown bypass is progressing well, with all necessary land secured and contractors on site to deliver this important project.
“We will continue to respond to all correspondence from Mr Roberts directly, through the appropriate channels.”
