Following a damning BBC report on Rhyl last summer, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is pleased that their latest coverage of the town has been more positive, focussing on plans to ‘Level Up’ the town centre, and hopes for the future.
In a report on the HM Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which sets out to reduce regional inequality, the BBC Breakfast show broadcast, which went out at the weekend, focused on Rhyl and how Levelling Up funding could revitalise the town centre.
James, who featured in the programme, told the reporter:
“There have been some decisions in the past locally which haven’t been the best ones, in terms of aiming for a very downmarket approach.”
James believes that to ensure future success, the town needs to be more ambitious.
He said:
“We need to set our sights high. With the right approach, there is no reason why Rhyl can’t experience success to match other regenerated seaside resorts.
“The residents and businesses of Rhyl are sick of years of negativity, and rightly so.
“Levelling Up funding can redress this and help put Rhyl back on the map for the right reasons.
“As well as providing the much-needed investment Rhyl town centre requires, securing Levelling Up funding can also provide locals with hope for its future.”
Hopes for the town have already been on the rise. Carol Parr, proprietor of FlowerTops florists, who put her faith in Rhyl by moving to a larger premises on the High Street three years ago, said in the report that she had already noticed improvements in the town.
She said:
“Over the last two or three years I have seen a change in Rhyl. I think it's an up-and-coming town again. I’m very optimistic about Rhyl.”
Similar comments were made by others, including former Rhyl Mayor Diana Hannam, who agreed that Rhyl is on the up, stating, “Rhyl is going to boom”.
James added:
“Following all the negative and damaging press Rhyl has received over the years, it is good to already see so much confidence in the town, and an understanding of what can be achieved here through the Levelling Up agenda.
“As I stated in the report, regeneration plans for the town need to be cleverly thought through. Simply building something shiny and new is not the answer - we need a scheme that’s going to boost economic activity for the long term.
“It is not going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t achievable. I will be doing all I can to ensure that the potential to level up Rhyl is realised, and that the town does not continue to be undervalued.”
