The Botanical Gardens are well-used public gardens in the centre of Rhyl. Sadly, in recent years there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour within the park.
I was alerted to a deteriorating situation when contacted by the daughter of well-respected late Rhyl resident. She informed me that the tree planted in memory of her father had been snapped and that other acts of vandalism had taken place within the gardens. It soon became clear that these were not isolated incidents.
I contacted North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council to discuss an action plan. Following this contact, regular multi-agency meetings were established. The multi-agency group included council officers, local councillors, a representative from the voluntary group ‘Supporters of the Botanical Gardens’, representatives from the local High Schools, Denbighshire Youth Services, and North Wales Police.
A number of measures were put in place including: the installation of CCTV; reintroduction of a security guard for evenings; locking the main gates earlier in the evening; an increase in police presence; youth workers on site two evenings a week; and improved communication and support from members of the senior leadership team at both of the secondary schools.
There is also a desire to erect fencing around the bowling green to limit entry and therefore reduce damage to the green.
Following the interventions listed above, there has been a reported reduction in incidents. I would like to thank the agencies who took this issue so seriously and for their fast action.
I am always keen to hear from residents living in the vicinity and those who regularly use the gardens, if they feel the situation deteriorates again.
