Plaid Cymru members in Butetown have selected community campaigner Liz Musa to stand in the ward at next May’s council elections in Cardiff.
Liz, who contested the Cardiff South & Penarth constituency at the Assembly elections, has led the campaign in the ward over leasehold injustice, initially raising concerns over Cardiff council-administered service charges and, more recently, about high service charges at both privately and housing association-owned apartment blocks.
Liz also attended a meeting arranged by South Wales Central AM Leanne Wood with Housing Minister Huw Lewis to press the case for action over leasehold legislation and regulation of managing and letting agents. A new Assembly Housing Bill is promised in 2012.
Originally from Riverside, Liz has lived in Butetown since marrying her Butetown-born husband Omar in 1980. The injustice of Margaret Thatcher’s poll tax first caused Liz first to become interested in politics.
Liz has been involved in her local residents’ association for many years and is the current chair of the Butetown Forum, the community residents’ group that campaigns for a fairer deal for Butetown.
Shehas worked supporting people in one way or another since 1985, firstly at the residential care home at Rothesay House, Loudoun Square. Then for ten years she worked at Nelson House sheltered housing complex for older people, before moving on to BAWSO Women’s Aid, where she supports families that have made Cardiff their home.
In addition Liz has campaigned consistently against the installation of the Viridor waste incinerator across from Butetown on Ocean Way.
Liz is looking forward to the completion of the three major ongoing developments in Butetown: the health centre, youth centre and community centre in which the Butetown Forum have played a prominent part. She is sure residents, especially the younger generation, will be proud of their area. She will continue to agitate for better social facilities, transport links and employment opportunities for the whole ward.
