The son of a former Newton Heath community activist officially opened a new development where one of the streets has been named after his late mother.

Frank Smalley cut the ribbon on McInerney Homes’ Zest development which has a road named after his mum, Ivy Graham, in honour of the many years she spent fighting for the rights of the people of Newton Heath.

Ivy died of cancer in February of this year and was known in the area for founding numerous local groups – including Heathfield Health Group, Troydale Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and Briscoe Lane Youth and Community Centre.

The 86-year-old worked tirelessly campaigning for facilities for young people in the area and also represented local residents at strategic level ensuring residents' views were heard at ward co-ordination and local area partnership meetings.

Son Frank Smalley, who has himself been honoured for his charity work, said his mum would have been thrilled at this lasting memorial to her.

Northwards Housing board chairwoman Sue Ratchford said: "Ivy was a kind, caring and unique individual, always thinking of others and keen to help in the community.

"She put her heart and soul into helping those around her, to the very end. This is a lovely way to remember the wonderful things she did for her community."

Tracey Lowe, sales manager for McInerney Homes North West said: "We think that naming the road after Ivy is a brilliant idea and it seems a fitting tribute to a lady who is sadly missed by an entire community."

Visitors to a new development in Newton Heath were treated to a Latin inspired event last weekend which saw McInerney opening its three-bedroom ‘Jazz’ show home at Zest.

Dancers from Manchester’s Spanish and Latin American Cultural Centre, La Academia were on-hand with lessons and displays in salsa dancing.

Tracey Lowe, sales manager for McInerney Homes North West, says: “Our three-bedroom show home is the first chance for people to experience our passion for quality, style and value-for-money homes.

“Zest embodies our enthusiasm for exciting living with every home fittingly named after a type of dance. And, the fact that these homes are eco means the money you save on household utility bills can be invested in living life to the full.”

Less than three miles from Manchester city centre, Zest will feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom homes to eventually create a vibrant community of 128 eco-friendly homes.

Three and four-bedroom homes start from just £106,500. For more information call 0161 681 9013 or log on to www.mcinerneyhomes.co.uk.