RESIDENTS in a village rocked by the death of a young woman in a B&B came together at a fun day today.
Families took part in the event in Argoed following the death of 22-year-old Cerys Yemm at the Sirhowy Arms Hotel on November 6.
Her attacker Matthew Williams died at the scene after being tasered by police.
Today, children enjoyed arts and crafts, face painting and Easter treats at the village hall.
Argoed Residents for a Safer Community organised the fun day to bring the community together following last year’s tragic events.
The fun day also sought to campaign for a disused play area near the B&B to be turned into a memorial garden to remember Cerys Yemm.
Campaigners are raising funds to help the family pay for a barrister to represent them at her forthcoming inquest.
A charity in memory of Cerys Yemm is also be set up after the inquest.
The charity will seek to help young people with mental health issues particularly those aged between 14 and 16 and tour schools in the area.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the deaths at the hotel, which has housed homeless people.
Sharon Nash-Upon, 53, of Argoed Residents for a Safer Community, said: “Her family are devastated.
“It makes it very difficult for them to come to terms and move on because of all the delays.
“It is nice to see this community getting back together when something so tragic has happened.”
Argoed Residents for a Safer Community have called for Caerphilly council to stop referring vulnerable people to the B&B.
They would like them to be housed in supported accommodation.
The group are to lobby Caerphilly councillors on the issue at a full council meeting on April 21.
Argoed Residents for a Safer Community today thanked businesses who donated prizes for the raffle at the fun day.
To donate funds towards the barrister who will represent Cerys' family, log on to gofundme.com under Justice for Cerys.
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