An Ystradgynlais woman who campaigned to help tenants living in council properties has passed away.
Joyce Thomas had been a tenant of Powys County Council for nearly 17 years and a tenant representative for 12 of these, first as chair of the Penrhos Tenants and Residents Association and more recently as the chair of the former Tenants Liaison Forum and its recently established successor body, the Tenant Scrutiny Panel.
Councillors who had worked with Joyce on tenants’ issues have been keen to pay tribute to her years of tireless campaigning.
Cllr Huw Williams, county councillor for the Ystradgynlais ward said: “A leading advocate, champion and campaigner for Powys tenants has been lost. Joyce had been enmeshed in local community issues over many years, having found her purpose with the Tenant Liaison Forum.
“Her enthusiasm, commitment and tenacity will be greatly missed and hard to follow. I considered her a friend and send my condolences to her family and friends.”
Cllr James Evans, Powys cabinet member for housing, said: “Joyce was a tireless worker on behalf of all Powys council tenants, advocating on their behalf either individually or collectively to officers and councillors, ensuring that the tenants’ voice was heard when policy and processes were developed by the Housing Service.
“Joyce was a kind, caring lady with a warm heart who was approachable to all tenants and had the skills to work constructively with officers and councillors. I know that Joyce’s family will be devastated by their loss, as are council officers and members who’ve lost a friend and a true community champion.
“On behalf of Powys County Council, I would like to offer our condolences to Joyce’s family and her many friends on their sad loss.”