NEW figures uncovered by the Welsh Conservatives has found the lion’s share of funds from the Transforming Towns programme has ended up in South Wales.

In an answer to a written question from Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, a Labour minister confirmed that just 19 per cent of the programme’s funds ended up in the six counties in North Wales.

The region received a total of £44,908,197 – while £40.2million was spent in the Swansea Council area alone.

The most-spent in a single northern council was £12.5m in Denbighshire, followed by £10.6m in Wrexham.

Meanwhile, South Wales received £152,557,532 – accounting for 65 per cent of the budget.

The remaining £37,399,621 (16 per cent) went to four counties in Mid and West Wales.

It means North Wales councils received, on average, less than those in anywhere else in the nation; its average was £7.5m, while for South Wales councils, it was £12.7m, and £9.4m in those in the Mid and West.

According to the Welsh Government, the capital budget of the Transforming Towns programme, announced in January 2020, is allocated on a regional basis with project proposals for specific towns being prioritised by the respective local authorities aligned with the strategic aims of a region.

Mr Millar said: “This is yet another kick in the teeth for people in North Wales and underscores the North-South divide that has developed on Labour’s watch.

“Whether it is investment in roads, metros or town centres, North Wales always seems to play second fiddle to the South.

“It is totally unacceptable that Labour ministers should treat the region in this way.

“We need legislation to ensure that all parts of Wales receive their fair share of investment from the Welsh Government, not just those areas favoured by the Labour Party.

“It is simply wrong for the Labour Government to continue to favour its southern heartlands rather than spread funding for important regeneration projects more equitably across Wales.”