Desperate situation for young mum at Ty Ffynon House, Barry

Bethan Tyler, 24, is three months pregnant as well as bringing up one-year-old Hendrix in Ty Ffynon house in Gibbons Down.

Ms Tyler reached out to the Barry and District News in a desperate attempt to raise awareness of the conditions of social housing currently being offered by Vale Council.

Ms Tyler, a trained beautician, ended up homeless after fleeing an abusive relationship.

She came to Ty Ffynon House after the council moved her from her initial temporary home when she was first made homeless - the notorious Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Airport.

Notorious Ty Ffynon House in Gibbons Down (Image: Newsquest)

We went and saw the conditions at Ty Ffynon House ourselves - and it wasn't a pretty sight.

Ms Tyler, centre, with Hendrix and mum Jennifer Tyler, 46 (Image: Newsquest)

The entranceway looked like a prison, with debris and tyre marks on the concrete floor.

The entrance way (Image: Newsquest)

The stairs were no better, something Ms Tyler has to battle with every day being on the top floor of the block – and there is no lift.

There are no elevators in the building (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Tyler told of her fear of living at Ty Ffynon House, with anti-social behaviour in the streets and nightmare neighbours.

Ms Tyler does not want to bring her soon to be born child here (Image: Newsquest)

The most tragic aspect of this story was meeting young Hendrix, who is living in the midst of appalling anti-social behaviour committed around him.

Ms Tyler's flat (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Tyler claims when she moved in their was no hot water (Image: Newsquest)

In a desperate attempt to get out the property, Ms Tyler is trying to scramble together enough money to get into a privately rented property, but says it is so difficult.

“I cannot bring my newborn baby back to this flat in this condition,” pleaded Ms Tyler.

“I am looking to rent privately which will put me out of pocket and I will have to get back to work.

“But I cannot live here any longer than I have to. It is absolutely horrific. The living conditions are terrible and the neighbours are a nightmare.”

She had to pau almost £1,000 to put carpet in the property (Image: Newsquest)

Young Hendrix growing up around horrific abuse (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Tyler has been in regular contact with Cllr Julia Aviet, mayor of the Vale Council, who says anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour on the site needs to alert the council and the police.

Ms Tyler says she regularly sees anti-social behaviour in the area (Image: Newsquest)

A deprived part of Barry (Image: Newsquest)

Vale Council say it is trying to do everything it can for Ms Tyler and her family.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware that Bethan wishes to move and would prefer a house rather than a flat.

“Unfortunately, significant pressures on the council’s housing service and long waiting lists mean that it is not always possible to secure the exact property type in a preferred area.

“There are currently a significant number of families who are homeless and living in hotel or hostel type accommodation.

“These households are likely to have been awarded a higher priority for rehousing.

“We will continue to work with residents in the block and take a robust position regarding anti-social behaviour from tenants or their visitors.”

Ms Tyler says the flat is not suitable for her (Image: Newsquest)

Damage to the property (Image: Newsquest)

"Council will introduce greater level of housing management": Full statement from Vale Council on Ms Tyler’s situation 

“We are aware of the challenges being experienced by Bethan and staff have been in contact with her on this matter.

"Rubbish from the area has been cleared and some repairs carried out, with more to follow in the near future.”

“The council will also introduce a greater level of housing management and increase visits to this block of flats.

“Officers have been liaising with police and neighbours following incidents of criminal damage and will look to take appropriate action.

Rubbish, dumped (Image: Newsquest)

“Bethan’s home is a two-bedroom flat accessible by a flight of stairs off the main communal entrance.

“If this poses any mobility challenges, we would request that supporting medical information be provided to our Homes4U team, so that changes to the housing application can be considered.

“We are aware that Bethan wishes to move and would prefer a house rather than a flat.

“Unfortunately, significant pressures on the council’s housing service and long waiting lists mean that it is not always possible to secure the exact property type in a preferred area.

“We have however offered Bethan advice about how she can secure private rental properties, including financial assistance that might be available.

“There are currently a significant number of families who are homeless and living in hotel or hostel type accommodation.

“These households are likely to have been awarded a higher priority for rehousing.

“We will continue to work with residents in the block and take a robust position regarding anti-social behaviour from tenants or their visitors.”

What do you think of the homeless situation and housing conditions in Barry? Let us know, emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.