It’s a dream home for Linda and Scott Williams – and it’s a piece of history for a housing association.
The delighted couple, who have two children, have just moved into a three-bedroom house in Argoed, in Kinmel Bay.
The property is the first ever bought by Cartrefi Conwy which was established two and a half years ago.
They took over responsibility for 3,800 houses and flats from Conwy County Borough Council after the tenants voted in favour of the stock transfer.
After embarking on a massive £30 million housing improvement programme, Cartrefi Conwy are now looking to address the shortage of affordable housing that’s available to rent in the county.
The Williams family are absolutely delighted with their new home which was recently given a major, top-to-bottom makeover by painting and decorating students from Llandrillo College.
To celebrate taking over the historic tenancy, the couple were presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Linda said: “This is a big improvement on the two-bedroom flat in Abergele where we lived before because it was too cramped for us.
“The house is lovely – it’s big and spacious, very nice. We’ve settled in very well.
“I am very impressed with the makeover done by the students – it looks great. They’ve done the decorating for us and it’s really nice.
“Cartrefi Conwy have been brilliant. There’s been a big difference since they took over from the council – they’ve put in new kitchens and bathrooms and everything. They’re very good landlords.”
Husband Scott was in full agreement and added: “I think our new home is absolutely brilliant. It’s very quiet around here and the house is spot on.
It was also a proud moment for Gwynne Jones, Director of Operations at Cartrefi Conwy.
He said: “This is a historic day for Cartrefi Conwy. This is the first house that we have bought since we came into existence in September 2008.
“Although this isn’t actually a new house, when you walk through the door it feels like one.
“We have refurbished the house and put a new roof on – it’s also had a new bathroom, kitchen and been re-wired. It’s been given a major makeover.
“One of our aims when Cartrefi Conwy was established was to develop new housing accommodation within the county and this is a first step in an ongoing programme.
“Every new house or flat means that we can help more people and families – and provide them with a roof over their heads in first class accommodation.
“There is a shortage of affordable housing especially within the county of Conwy so this is a step forward.
“Over the coming years we are hoping to develop much more new housing stock to help the increasing number of families that are coming to us for help with housing.
“The affordable housing stock available to rent throughout the county has been depleted by the Right to Buy legislation introduced 30 years ago.
“We have to find innovative ways of increasing our housing stock to fill the shortfall that Right to Buy created.
“Our £30 million improvement programme is going well so we will now develop our plans for the next phase in our development and set targets for the years to come that will meet local needs.
“We are very excited and enthusiastic about the future,” he added.
