Three areas of resort set for £20m to combat crime and deprivation

LLANDUDNO is renowned for pockets of affluence with some of the most desirable addresses in Wales.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

Yet, behind the façade, the Queen of Welsh Resorts also has areas of relative poverty.According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD), the Tudno 2 district east of the town's railway is the 42nd poorest in Wales.

In an effort to restore its fortunes, Tudno 2 and two neighbouring districts in Llandudno are to receive a £20m boost.

For the funding, Conwy Council also considered neighbouring districts in Colwyn Bay, Llysfaen and Abergele. But deprivation levels here were lower and their claims were sidelined.

The money is from the Pride in Place programme, which has allocated £5bn for areas of the UK most in need of investment. Some 169 areas will get £2m every year for a decade, while a further 95 places will get a one-off payment of £1.5m.

The scheme's aim is to create "stronger communities" in which residents "take back control" by having a say in how their areas are run.

Another goal is to establish "thriving places" with vibrant neighbourhoods, improved infrastructure and busy high streets.