Heath, Cardiff

Heath electoral ward in Cardiff

Heath (Welsh: Y Mynydd Bychan or Y Waun) is a community in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, originally called the Great Heath and named as a result of the large park and woodland that it once contained. The population of the ward taken at the 2011 census was 12,629. After the initial development of traditionally middle-classed semi-detached housing (1920s-1950s) and more recently the construction of the University Hospital of Wales on the site of the former Heath Wood (1960s), much of the greenery has been eradicated. Heath Park forms the remainder of this grass and woodland and is very popular, having attractions such as a miniature steam railway and sports facilities. It should be distinguished from the Little Heath (Welsh: Y Waun Ddyfal) which lies to the south of the Great Heath, in the vicinity of Crwys Road. Birchgrove is a busy shopping area that is part of the ward of Heath. It is composed mostly of more affordably priced housing, mainly terraced, and has taken on an identity of its own.

The area around the University Hospital of Wales has been known as the Saints (not saints corner) due to the number of streets in the area named after well known saints.

The Welsh language

The number of Heath residents over three years old who speak Welsh increased from 1,378 in the 2001 UK Census to 1,422 in the 2011 UK Census. In percentage terms there was a slight decrease (from 12.1% to 11.7%). This was caused by a reduction in the number of speakers over the age of 65; the age groups 3–15 and 16—64 both showed increases.

Transport

The area is served by two railway stations. Heath Low Level is on the Coryton Line, linking Central and Coryton stations. Heath High Level is on the Rhymney Line, linking Central and Rhymney stations via Llanishen, Lisvane Thornhill and Caerphilly.

Cardiff Bus's routes 38 and 39 terminate at the University Hospital of Wales, originating from the City Centre. The 8 now operates between the City Centre and Grangetown, while the 9/9A operates from the City Centre to IKEA and Cardiff Bay, including the Sports Village.The 86 service runs to Lisvane via Heath. The following services run through west of Heath:

• 1/2 (City Circle)
• 21 (Central Stn)
• 23 (Whitchurch/Rhiwbina)
• 24 (Whitchurch/Llandaff/Canton)
• 25 (Central Stn)
• 27 Capital City Green (Thornhill/Birchgrove)
• 35 (Gabalfa or Cardiff Bay)

Governance

The electoral ward of Heath falls within the parliamentary constituency of Cardiff North. It is bounded by Rhiwbina and Llanishen to the north; Cyncoed to the east; Gabalfa and Cathays to the south; Llandaff North to the southwest; and Whitchurch & Tongwynlais to the west.

• Cardiff Council: Heath is represented on Cardiff Council by three councillors, currently made up by Lyn Hudson (Conservative), Graham Hinchey (Welsh Labour) and Fenella Bowden (Liberal Democrat)
• Welsh Assembly: As part of Cardiff North, Heath has been represented in the Welsh Assembly since 2011 by Julie Morgan, AM (Labour)
• Westminster: As part of Cardiff North, Heath is at Westminster by Craig Williams MP (Conservative)