Newydd Housing Association has opened a new housing development named after the Llety Shenkin Colliery in Cwmbach near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Ffordd Llety Shenkin, a development of 24 new affordable homes, was opened by Cllr Craig Middle, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Housing.

Llety Shenkin pit was sunk in Cwmbach in 1838 and was the last to close in the area, in 1922. The pit plays an important part in the town's history, with two major explosions in 1846 and 1849 claiming the lives of 81 miners. A heritage plaque can be found at Pit Place, just over half a mile from the new housing development.


Ffordd Llety Shenkin, on the eastern edge of Cwmbach, was built by contractor Leadbitter, part of the Bouygues Construction group. The homes meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3+ and include a mix of three and four bedroom houses, one bedroom apartments and two bedroom homes suitable for people with impaired mobility.

Ben Owen has just moved into his new home in Ffordd Llety Shenkin with his family. He said: "The quality and standard of our home is brilliant. We have a wet room downstairs and a bathroom upstairs which is ideal for our family of five. Our son Thomas is deaf and we needed to live nearer his school, we would like to thank Newydd for making this possible. It has allowed us to be near our work, family and access facilities for Thomas."

Paul Roberts, Chief Executive of Newydd said: "Our Housing Officer Rob Pughsley is from the area and named this development from the rich history found in this mining community. We always try to find a local connection when naming our new developments as it is important to celebrate local culture and history. I would like to thank the whole development and design team for an excellent scheme at Ffordd Llety Shenkin and wish our tenants many years of happiness in their new homes."

(CD)