This area covers the east of the County Borough along its boundary with Denbighshire, from Abergele in the north to Llansannan in the south, It is bordered to the west by Llanddulas, Betws yn Rhos and Llangernyw. The main settlements are Abergele, Towyn and Kinmel Bay, and includes the more rural community council areas of Llannefydd, Llanfairtalhaearn and Llansannan.
Population characteristics – older age structure than Conwy CB, Wales and GB, particularly high % aged 65+, with noticeably small proportion in all age groups under 45. Low net population growth in past 10 years compared to national figures, but above Conwy CB average. 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 as is proportion of unpaid carers – highest sub area in Conwy CB, for both measures. 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 owner occupation & low levels of social renting. House prices well below Conwy CB and Welsh levels at median measure but affordability (income to houseprice ratio) particularly poor at lower quartile level.
Community safety – high crime rates compared Conwy CB and national averages especially for violence against the person.
Economy and employment – employment in communications/finance/property, professional/technical/scientific and manufacturing industries comparatively low. Comparatively high employment in health & social work accommodation & food services (tourism), and wholesale/retail. Qualification levels low compared to national and Conwy CB figures. Unemployed claimant rate is high. People aged 50+ make up a larger proportion of unemployed claimants than average.
Income and benefits – income levels well below national average. High proportion of people claiming all types of benefits when measured against comparative areas, notably for incapacity benefits and carers allowance.
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 access to services, health and housing domains of Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.
