Caerau, perched atop a valley around two miles from Maesteg, boasts stunning vistas and a tight-knit community spirit. However, it encounters its fair share of issues, such as limited public transport options, which hinders mobility for non-drivers. The impact of economic and social difficulties in areas like Caerau is profound, intensifying pre-existing deprivation concerns.
Yet, a visit by WalesOnline to the locality last August revealed an unwavering local commitment to support the community. A local councillor encapsulated the sentiment succinctly: "It just needs a bit of attention." Back in 2019, a report by the Welsh Government identified the community as one grappling with "deep-rooted" deprivation, and trends suggest that the situation has deteriorated over time.
The map from the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation highlights a section of the village as the fifth most deprived area in Wales, covering Caerau Park and the Tudor Estate. READ MORE: Llŷn Peninsula caravan park and holiday let goes on the market READ MORE: The sad pictures of overgrown and 'left to rot' Pontins holiday park in North Wales In 2019, almost half the homes here were rentals, with social housing making up 39% - a stark contrast to the Welsh average of 16%. The area also has a higher percentage of families; 32% of households have dependent children, above the 28% average for Wales.
Classifications by the census place the community in the categories of "hard-pressed communities" and "challenged .