Neighbouring town not happy as resort is given £20m to tackle deprivation

SOME of the most deprived areas in one of Wales' most popular seaside resorts will get a £20 million funding boost.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

Llandudno's seafront presents a vison of affluence, but there are pockets of deprivation in the town. Inset: Station Road in Colwyn Bay

The cash injection from the UK Government will be spread over 10 years and spent in the less picture postcard parts of Llandudno, following a vote by Conwy County Council's cabinet

But the decision sparked a row with councillors from other towns such as Colwyn Bay, arguing that the money should be spent there.

The funding comes through the Pride in Place Programme, aimed at "building stronger communities, creating thriving places, and empowering people to take back control."

Conwy County Council is one of nine local authority areas selected for the scheme. But the council was tasked with identifying which neighbourhood should benefit - with only weeks to make a decision.

The programme must focus attention on one defined area with a guide population of between 5,000 and 15,000 residents, aiming to support communities most in need, using the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.

According to the latest data, Llandudno's "Tudno2" area, around Llandudno Hospital, Maesdu Road and the "top and bottom estates, is the most deprived in Conwy county and in the top 10% most deprived in Wales.

Consequently, it was recommended that Tudno2-ranked 42nd most deprived in Wales; Tudnol ranked 289th most deprived in Wales; and Mostyn2-ranked 488th most deprived in Wales - should be put forward as one "contiguous" area.

But several councillors, including leader of the opposition Cllr Cheryl Carlisle and Colwyn Bay councillor Chris Hughes argued that historically, wards in the Colwyn Bay area would have been deemed the most deprived wards in the county, not Llandudno.

Council leader Cllr Julie Fallon however explained the money could not go to a town in the Clwyd North constituency.