Amlwch Port has lost nearly a third of its residents

Officers from Anglesey Council are making urgent inquiries to discover how a village in the north of the island could have lost 30% of its population in the past 10 years.

The results show that the population of Amlwch Port has dropped from 3,862 in 1991 to 2,628 in the latest census.

Council officers say they are concerned about population decline on the island, but the figure published last week has left them mystified.

Other data sources from the health service and education might point to some loss of people but nothing like the published figure.

Our initial impression is that something has gone wrong in compiling the figures and we need to have that confirmed as soon as possible Martin Eaglestone, Planning Policy Manager

Councillors have raised concerns that the reduction could have financial implications.

"It is vitally important that we get to the bottom of this situation," said Councillor Gareth Winston Roberts, economic development and planning portfolio holder.

"I know how important the regeneration of Amlwch and Anglesey is and statistics can play an important part of building a case for new funding.

"We are now also seeking to clarify the situation as to the actual population count in local areas."

'Lose out'

"I understand that officers from the planning department have contacted the Office for National Statistics," said Councillor John Byast, who represents the Amlwch Port ward.

Local census figures were published last week

"We need to find out exactly what has happened as my electorate could lose out if these figures are incorrect or misleading."

Planning policy manager Martin Eaglestone said: "Our initial impression is that something has gone wrong in compiling the figures and we need to have that confirmed as soon as possible.

"If the figure were true it would mean that Amlwch Port has seen over a 30% drop in population from 3,862 people to 2,628 people."

Amended

He added: "Many of the wards on the island have seen some limited change in numbers but overall 25 have lost people and 12 gained.

"For example, and in contrast to Amlwch, the biggest gain we have is in the Cyngar ward in Llangefni which has some 225 extra people.

"Should the Amlwch figure prove to be an undercount then the figure for the whole Island will be amended upwards.

"[It] could challenge some of the statistical assumptions made in recent years about the population which in turn affects finances of public bodies like the county council.

"It is therefore a very important matter to clarify on behalf of all the island's people."