Deeside school pupils name new housing scheme in memory of Gary Speed

Deeside school pupils have helped to name a new local affordable housing scheme with the name chosen commemorating the late Wales football player and manager Gary Speed, who grew up nearby.

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Pupils at St Ethelwold’s Primary School in Shotton and Ysgol Penarlag spent time researching the local area where the new homes, a development of 21 houses off Lower Aston Hall Lane near Aston Hill, are to be built.

They looked into the area’s geography and history and those who had inspired others in the local community.
“The children put forward a number of suggestions, including naming the new housing scheme after the former Wales football captain and manager who was born in Mancot, which is just next to the site, and grew up in Aston Park,” said Mr Paul Oliver, Head Teacher at St Ethelwold’s.

“The children understand that Gary sadly died while he was still very young, however when he was growing up here he was like many children who just loved playing football. The children thought it extremely fitting that Gary Speed be remembered in the local community and are delighted that their suggestion has been chosen.”

“Gary played for the County’s primary schools’ side and attended Deeside High and Hawarden High Schools before going on to be Wales’ most capped outfield player as well as Captain and Manager of the national Welsh Team.” added Mr Oliver.

‘Work will begin on the ‘Llys Gary Speed’ development, as it has now been named, later this month with the scheme including two, three and four bedroom family homes as well as one bungalow due to be completed in Spring 2017

The homes developed by the Pennaf Housing Group in partnership with the Welsh Government and Flintshire County Council, and will be managed on completion by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of the Pennaf Group.

“The new name, based on one of the suggestions from St Ethelwolds, was selected in consultation with the local ward council members who also liaised with  Mr Speed’s family concerning the suggestion. We’d like to thank all the children and staff at both schools for putting forward some excellent suggestions,” said Deiniol Evans, Director of Development and Technical Services for Pennaf.

Cllr Helen Brown, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and who is also local Ward Member for the area said:
” I’m absolutely delighted and very proud that the children recognise Gary Speed as an inspiration and mentor to many. The suggestion from local children to remember a former school pupil from the area is heart-warming. Gary was presented with his MBE for his services to sport, and he remains the most capped outfield player for the country. I’d like to thank all of the children who took part and put forward excellent suggestions. I look forward now to seeing the new development, Llys Gary Speed, in progress.”