This area covers the central coastal belt of the County Borough, buffering the A55 road from Llanddulas to Mochdre. It is bordered to the west by Llandudno and Glan Conwy, to the east by Abergele and to the south by Llangernyw/Llanfairtalhaearn. The main settlements in the area are Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn and Mochdre, and includes the more rural community council areas of Llysfaen, Llanddulas and Betws yn Rhos.
Population characteristics – older age structure than Wales and GB, particularly high % aged 65+, with noticeable dip in 16-44 age groups, though slightly younger structure than Conwy CB average. Very low net population growth in past 10 years compared to national figures. Population density relatively high. Ethnicity & religion significantly less diverse than national averages. Proportion of Welsh speakers around Welsh average.
Health – limiting long term illness significantly above England & Wales average. High levels of all chronic illnesses, compared to Wales average.
Housing and living arrangements – pensioner only households much higher than national average, particularly lone pensioners. Average household size lower than average. Relatively high levels of other rented tenure (mainly private renting) & low levels of social renting. House prices similar to Welsh average but below Conwy CB levels.
Community safety – high crime rates compared Conwy CB and national averages especially for violence against the person.
Economy and employment – employment in manufacturing, communications/finance/property, and professional/technical/scientific industries comparatively low. Comparatively high employment in health & social work accommodation & food services (tourism), and wholesale/retail. Proportion with no qualifications high compared to national figures. Unemployed claimant rate is high
Income and benefits – income levels below national average. High proportion of people claiming all types of benefits, particularly incapacity benefits.
Poverty and deprivation – high proportion of children in low income families, for both ‘in-work’ and ‘out-of-work’ families. Higher than average levels of deprivation in the income, employment and housing domains of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.
