A group of housing association tenants in Llandudno were given some cracking news at their Christmas party.

During the festivities Cartrefi Conwy revealed a show home would be available for the tenants to see at the development in the New Year and that they should be able to move there in the spring.

The state-of-the-art eco-friendly homes are replacing two of their ageing sheltered housing schemes in the town’s St Andrews’s Avenue – Llys Seiriol and the adjoining Llys Eryl.

The new development called Cysgod y Gogarth (Shadow of the Orme) consists of be 26 apartments and four family homes.

They will be fitted with solar photovoltaic panels and state of the art heating systems with which will ensure low running costs for tenants.

The ground-breaking development, which sets new standards in energy efficiency, has been planned with the emphasis firmly on how its residents want it look and be used and also aims to be a social hub for the wider community.

At their Christmas party, the tenants enjoyed a festive lunch and bingo event while getting the chance to consult with Cartrefi Conwy on the progress the independent living scheme which will be named Cysgod y Gogarth.

The tenants were also shown a time-lapse video of the scheme being built.

According to retired financial agent, Ann Keir, 68, a former Llys  Eryl tenant and a member of the Cysgod y Gogarth steering committee, the news was the “perfect Christmas present”.

She said: “I’m really impressed with the work that has been done and there is no doubt the development is going to be fabulous. It’s a modern design and clearly built to a high standard.

“The social hub that’s being included is going to give us a real sense of community which is very important.”

Nicola Moate, 55, and her husband, Barry Moate, 65, are also looking forward to moving to Cysgod y Gogarth.

Barry, who suffers from MS and has to use a wheelchair much of the time, said: “I’m pleased the units are going to be adapted in the right way making it easier for wheelchair users and those with other disability issues.”

Delyth Davies, of RL Davies Construction, the firm carrying out the construction of Cysgod y Gogarth on behalf of Cartrefi Conwy, presented a big Christmas hamper as a raffle prize and answered questions from tenants on the development’s progress.