£20m windfall for town's deprived areas ... but how to spend it?

RESIDENTS WANT CLEANUP AND MORE FOR YOUNG TO DO

- By DAVID POWELL

A £20 million windfall is set to be spent in some of the most deprived areas of Conwy county.

The UK Government cash is heading to Tudno Ward, and nearby Mostyn 2 ward, in Llandudno.

The cash injection will be spread over ten years following a vote by Conwy County Council's cabinet.

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

The news was welcomed by locals but it also prompted dismay from angry councillors Chris Hughes and Cheryl Carlisle in nearby Colwyn Bay who believe parts of their area are more deserving.

It is understood that the allocation was based on the most recent data in Conwy.

Meanwhile, Conwy Council leader Cllr Julie Fallon said it was “incredibly frustrating” the authority had had to choose so quickly which ward should receive the money, according to the rules.

Towns including Colwyn Bay and Rhyl are in the new Clwyd North parliamentary constituency.

Cllr Fallon said Rhyl had already received its £20m, which was decided by the UK Government, meaning the money was designated for the Bangor Aberconwy constituency this time.

Councillors have decided that Tudno2 - ranked 42nd most deprived in Wales, Tudnol - ranked 289th most deprived in Wales, and Mostyn 2 - ranked 488th most deprived in Wales - should be put forward as one “contiguous” area.