Newydd Housing Association has completed sixteen new homes in Tynant, named after the Miner’s Strike stalwart, Billy Liddon.
Billy Liddon sadly passed away in 2009. He devoted his life fighting for workers rights and played a leading role during the Miners Strike as National Union of Mineworkers Lodge Secretary for the nearby Cwm Colliery. After the Colliery closed in 1987, Billy moved into local government working with young offenders and children in care. Billy subsequently joined the Public Sector Union where he eventually became Assistant Secretary of the Rhondda Cynon Taf branch.
Friends and family of Billy Liddon came together for the naming ceremony at Liddon Court on 9th December.
Cllr Clayton Willis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Human Resources, Performance and Housing, and Ward Member for Tynant, said:
“I was very pleased to be at the opening of the new residential development, which is named after someone who was very well known in the local community here. I knew Billy for many years and this will serve as a memory to him, which I know is welcomed by those who were close to him.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council was able to provide over half of the cost of the development via its Social Housing Grant, as part of its ongoing commitment to work in partnership with other agencies to deliver good-quality, affordable housing for residents.
Paul Roberts, Chief Executive at Newydd says, “We had no hesitation in naming this new development in memory of an individual that played such a valuable and meaningful role within this community. We hope that Billy’s family and friends see Liddon Court as a fitting tribute, especially as it overlooks the Cwm Colliery.”
The homes at Liddon Court have been built in partnership with local house builder Colwest Ltd and are designed with family life in mind. There are large living areas, high specification bathroom fittings, level access showers and a contemporary colour scheme throughout; from the flooring, to walls and tiling, approved by RNIB Cymru Visibly Better Accreditation.
