Both the Conservative Party Chairman and Minister, Amanda Milling MP, and Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies have applauded two prominent Rhyl businesses for their response to the Covid-19 pandemic after visiting them this week.
The Chairman accompanied James on Monday when he dropped in to see Les Harker’s Amusements and the Kite Surf Café, which are both situated on Rhyl promenade and have been severely impacted due to lockdown and social distancing measures.
James said:
“This pandemic has been devastating for many businesses who were forced to close for months on end. Even now that they are open, they have had to adapt the way they operate and adhere to a vast array of guidelines.
“It was great to see both businesses busy when we dropped in and I was extremely impressed by the measures they have put in place to protect both their staff and customers.
“Simon has worked extremely hard in the past five years to establish his kite surfing business and café and it is a great shame that his fantastic plans for a wake boarding facility and more on land where the Sun Centre once stood have had to be put on hold until next year. But he is an incredibly upbeat guy and I am confident that he will get back on track and I will help him in any way that I can.
“Les and Craig Harker have also coped exceptionally well with the challenges that have been thrust upon them this year. They were in jovial spirits when we met, despite all they have been through this year.
“They traditionally have a short season and missed out on the usual busy Easter and Whit school holidays this year, so are understandably concerned about how they will get through the quieter winter months and are calling for more support for the leisure industry. Both Amanda and myself have taken onboard all their concerns and will do everything we can to assist them. In the meantime, I would encourage people to support them where they can.”
Amanda Milling MP added: “It was brilliant to join James for a trip to some great local businesses in Rhyl. The way both Les Harker’s Amusement Arcade and the Kite Surf Café and Pro Kite Surfing have adapted their businesses to protect both their staff and customers is exceptional. They are clearly extremely responsible business owners and I commend them for all their efforts during these challenging times.
“I was also pleased to hear Simon at Pro Kite Surfing talking so positively about the big plans he has for the future of the business.
“I wish both businesses every success moving forward.”
Following the visit, Craig Harker said:
“I would like to thank both Amanda and James for visiting and taking the time to listen to our concerns and to discuss the support needed for our industry.
“We lost out on the Easter trade and also the busy period at Whit so have a shorter season that ever this year. Also we have incurred substantial costs to ensure that our business adheres to the Covid regulations, and unlike other businesses are unable to pass that cost onto customers.
“The leisure industry needs support to help us survive the quiet winter months. Once the children go back to school in September, the season is over for us. “
Simon Jones, proprietor of Pro Kite Surfing and the Kite Surf Café said:
“We had amazing plans for this year. In January and February we created an upstairs area to our café and we were progressing well with plans for a wake boarding facility and ninja warrior assault course.
“The pandemic has been an absolute nightmare and has hit us hard financially, but my priority throughout has been protecting my staff. There are only four of us and I was determined not to put anyone at risk. Hopefully we can get back on track and proceed with our plans next year. It would be silly to try to do anything in the current climate.
“We were very cautious about reopening and with regards the café we still only operate outside. We have worked very closely with the council and everyone has been ecstatic with what we are doing.
“On the whole people have been brilliant, they are behaving which is nice. All we say is respect our rules.”
The Kite Surf Café is currently open Monday to Thursday, and Sunday, from 10am until 9pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am until 10pm.
Les Harker’s Amusements is open everyday from 9am until 10pm.
