Learners name new £2.4m affordable homes scheme

Carl Sargeant, officials and other guests are joined by Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan learners Thomas Ellis, Ethan Nichols,

Mathew Webster, Evie Doig, Mia O’Mahoney, Jessica Fairhurst, Ellie Jones and Elias Jeffrey,

who were involved in naming the scheme

A Welsh Government minister has visited a new £2.4million affordable homes development.

Llys Jenkin and Llys yr Ysgol, just off Bridge Street in Abergele, are backed by £3.4m from the Welsh Government’s housing funding grant.

Learners from Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan got together with residents from Ty Gwynn Jones, a supported housing scheme next to the development, to come up with the names.

Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, also met residents who have recently moved in and was given a tour of the Wales and West Housing scheme, which comprises 31 two and three-bedroomed houses and flats.

The development, built on a former derelict garage site, has been welcomed by the community following consultation.

The scheme is also home to Kickstart, a support programme run by Castell Care and Support, which is owned by Wales and West Housing.  Kickstart helps vulnerable people gain the skills they need to be independent, deal with everyday life and then go on to live in their own home.

Following the visit, Mr Sargeant said: “It has been a pleasure to visit Llys Jenkin and Llys yr Ysgol and thank Wales and West Housing for working with the Welsh Government to help us achieve our ambition to provide 20,000 affordable homes during this term of government.

“The homes I saw are excellent examples of the sort of home we are aiming to build in Wales – designed to be warm, secure, safe and energy efficient.

“In addition, because these homes are designed to meet people’s needs and support is in place for those who need it, they will help residents maintain their independence and quality of life for longer, which will, in turn, reduce the burden on other services such as the NHS or social care.

Cllr Sue Lloyd-Williams, Conwy Council’s cabinet member for housing, social care and health, said: “Good quality, affordable housing for people who live in Conwy is a major priority for the council.

“Wales and West Housing’s development at Llys Jenkin and Llys yr Ysgol is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work in real partnership to meet the housing needs of our residents.”