Businesses in the resort town of Rhyl had an extremely tough time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Once they were able to open again, their situation was made tougher still by the installation of bollards by Denbighshire County Council which were intended to encourage social distancing.
This work was carried out as part of a scheme developed and funded by the Welsh Government which the local authority seemed determined to join, regardless of its need or suitability.
I opposed the scheme in responding to a consultation process run by the council in the summer of 2020. This always appeared to me to be a poor way of spending public money, which would disadvantage local businesses while bringing little practical benefit. I was confident that people could safely ‘socially distance’ without barriers being in place.
I was pleased that the planned scheme for Denbigh town centre was scrapped following huge public opposition but the council progressed with the implementation of the scheme in Rhyl.
As predicted, business owners were up in arms as the bollards blocked access for loading and disabled parking bays. They also gave the most unhelpful impression these businesses were closed. Many business leaders joined me in calling for the bollards to be removed. Rhyl Business Improvement District also ran a survey which provided further evidence to support the negative impact on traders and shoppers.
I was delighted that Rhyl county councillors changed their views on the issue, which allowed the then Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment to action the removal of the bollards. Nevertheless, the exercise was a huge waste of taxpayers' money and an example of inflexible Welsh Government grant funding being inappropriately drawn down.
I was pleased to work with the business community in Rhyl and witness the benefits that flowed from our campaign.
