RESIDENTS at Wales & West Housing’s Llys Owen retirement scheme in Cardigan showed off their modern new communal facilities at an open afternoon.

Earlier this year, WWH commissioned interior design specialists Buckingham Interiors to refurbish the communal dining, lounge and reception areas and corridors.

Working with residents they came up with fresh, modern designs for new décor, furniture and flooring to bring the seaside location to the scheme.

It is the final part of Wales & West Housing’s investment at the scheme in the last 18 months.

The organisation, which has around 1,000 affordable homes in Ceredigion and employs 45 staff at its offices in Newcastle Emlyn, has fitted new kitchens and bathrooms in all 36 flats at Llys Owen. It has also fitted sensor lights in the communal areas to reduce running costs for residents.

Cllr Dafydd Edwards, cabinet member with responsibility for housing at Ceredigion County Council, visited an open afternoon to find out the difference it has made to residents.

He said: “It was a pleasure to see the difference that the makeover had made to the overall ambience of the building and the improvement in the usage of the common areas following the refurbishment.”

The residents and visitors, including potential residents and partner agencies, enjoyed tea and cakes and there was a tour of the refurbished areas and a flat.

Residents Florence Knight and Brenda Morgan have lived at the scheme for many years and are delighted with the improvements.

They said: “Everything is so much brighter and cleaner. It’s a pleasure to sit down on the sofas and chat with neighbours. We are proud to live here.”