Area Overview for Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward

View from the Co-op, Workington in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Westfield Road Bridge in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Westfield Gospel Hall in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Cycle Track in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
National Cycle Route 72, Workington in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Westfield Drive bridge over National Cycle Route 72, Workington in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Industrial unit on Adams Road in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Kerry Park Trading Estate, Workington in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
Jane Pit, Workington in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward
9 photos from this area

Area Information

Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward is a coastal district within the Allerdale borough of Cumbria, covering a total area of 2.9 square kilometres. It sits near Workington in West Cumbria and forms part of the urban landscape adjacent to the Solway coast. The ward is often grouped with nearby Salterbeck and is bounded by official district lines. This neighbourhood developed as an urban area but has faced significant challenges in recent decades. The closure of local steel works transformed the local economy, leading to long-term unemployment and social decline. You will find a community that has worked hard to address these issues through initiatives like the Solway Views group, which focused on employment vulnerability and health inequalities between 2017 and 2019. Daily life here involves navigating the realities of a post-industrial town. Residents often deal with isolation from other parts of Cumbria and difficulties accessing services. The area contains specific landmarks such as a football ground and the Mossbay Allotment Gardens, which serve as local gathering points. While the ward offers the distinct character of a coastal settlement, the legacy of industrial closure shapes its social fabric. You are looking at a labour force with high vulnerability to job loss and a population facing genuine financial pressures. The terrain includes an urban zone that feels close to the water, yet the transport links required to reach wider opportunities remain difficult and expensive. Living in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward means accepting these structural limitations while engaging with a resilient local community.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
2.9 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward is dominated by an older population. The median age for residents is 70 years, indicating a significant demographic shift towards retirement or older age groups. Despite the data listing "Age: Total" as the most common age range descriptor, the median figure of 70 strongly suggests that most households consist of older individuals. Financial concerns are prevalent, with high rates of unemployment linked to the historic closure of the steel industry affecting the demographic makeup. Home ownership stands at 42 per cent, meaning the majority of residents rent rather than own their homes. This high rental proportion reflects the economic instability and historical deprivation within the ward. Household composition data is available only as a general total category in the provided records, so specific details on single-person versus family households are not itemised. Similarly, information regarding predominant ethnic groups, religious affiliation, and precise household breakdowns is not included in the current dataset. You cannot rely on fine-grained demographic splits beyond the age median and ownership split. The area faces documented social and environmental decline, including feelings of loneliness among residents. Financial worries are a stated reality for many people living in this ward. Deprivation is evident through the loss of local manufacturing jobs and the resulting reliance on limited public services. The population structure reflects a working-age workforce that is particularly vulnerable to job challenges, alongside an aging resident base. When examining who lives here, you see a mix of those relying on rental income and an older demographic navigating life well past retirement age.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

42
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

16
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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  • Crime Risk
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward distinctive for someone considering a move?
Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward is a 2.9 square kilometre coastal district in Allerdale, Cumbria, known for its post-industrial character following the closure of local steel works. The median age of residents is 70, and only 42 per cent of households own their homes. While digital connectivity is excellent with a 97 broadband score, public transport links to neighbouring towns are described as difficult and expensive. The area features local amenities like Mossbay Allotment Gardens and a football ground, but residents face challenges including loneliness, financial worries, and isolation from the rest of Cumbria.
Is Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward a safe area for children and families?
The crime risk score in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward is 52 out of 100, placing it at a warning level with rates around the average. This means standard security precautions are advisable, but violent crime is not exceptionally high. Environmental safety is strong, with low flood risk scores of 5.82 and no Ramsar sites or protected woodlands. However, the area has documented concerns over children's futures and long-term unemployment. The median age of 70 suggests an older demographic, and isolation from other parts of Cumbria can be a concern for families who need reliable transport or local services.
Is there good internet access suitable for remote working in this ward?
Yes, digital infrastructure in Moss Bay and Moorclose Ward is highly developed. The area achieves a fixed broadband quality score of 97 out of 100, which is the best rating possible. This high-speed connection makes the ward viable for remote working and heavy internet usage. This digital advantage contrasts sharply with physical connectivity, where public transport is difficult, expensive, and unreliable. Low car ownership further limits options for those without a vehicle. For a homebuyer relying on the internet for their livelihood, this area offers one of the strongest connectivity figures in Cumbria, despite the surrounding economic challenges.

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