your comments
Paul McDonagh, Coventry
Si, Staffordshire. I would assume this is because of the time of year. I remember going at about this time to open up for the season and had the same thing. However if you popped onto any one of the many holiday camps the clubs are all open and its business as usual there. I can't remember what time the season starts perhaps a local could inform us. Two arcades in Rhyl? I had heard some had closed but surely there are more than 2? Again locals' info needed please! My trip is ever closer, I am however leaving it more towards the end of July for the reason Si had - don't want everything to be closed!
Tue Jun 23 15:13:40 2009
Si, Staffordshire
Just got back from Towyn - nothing at all to do for the children. Fairs shut all week, open Friday night. Shops in Towyn and Rhyl shut at about 5pm, only two arcades open in Rhyl at night and Towyn everything shut by 7pm.
Mon Jun 22 09:01:00 2009
Paul McDonagh, Coventry
I used to go to Rhyl a lot when my parents owned a caravan in Towyn. I used to love that part of Wales and we often went for long periods of time. My plan is to revisit sometime soon after many years. Looking at the comments on here I am a bit disappointed although Rhyl was looking a bit worn when I was last there. This will not put me off. I am going back even if just for a day.
Thu Jun 11 08:20:25 2009
Diana, Rhyl
Born in Rhyl, have seen social decline over the years. Every town, every community, wherever you live in the United Kingdom, has suffered a moral decline. Do not make Rhyl the flagship for all the nation's ills. We are lucky to live in Wales, we cannot pick and choose who comes to live here.
Tue May 5 09:14:18 2009
Sam from Rhyl
What has the world come too? Rhyl - it's a hell hole!Why are people so selfish than to care for their town and its citizens? The seats in town have been taken away, probably for scrap. Taxpayers' money around here goes towards what we don't need and not what we do. Who heard that they're going to put a temporary park opposite the Drift Park one on the front, and then take it down when they've decided what they want to waste money on there?
Thu Apr 30 08:29:12 2009
Bob Dutton, Conway
I think the whole of Rhyl shopping area should be a no smoking zone. I have never smelt such a vile area, even in the shopping precinct people with cigarettes lit, hidden in their palms. Last visit from me!
Wed Apr 15 10:33:34 2009
Mike Leach from Rhyl
It is a shame the town is dying and the local government don't seem bothered. Thay just seem to want to build flats everywere so the foreign workers have somewere to live, not caring about the people who have lived here all their lives. You can register for employment agencies and won't get work unless you are from eastern Europe. Unless you are a foreign worker or a druggy the local council won't help. Rhyl is a shadow of what it was 10 years ago and I dread to think where it will be in 10 years' time.
Tue Mar 31 08:01:18 2009
Mike Lewis-Jones, Darwin, Australia
For F Horton, re bombs dropped on Rhyl during WWII. Two bombs were dropped, one demolished a house in Clwyd Ave, the other left a crater in the playing field at Glyndwr school near the corner of Ffordd Las and Victoria Rd. I reckon the bombers were returning from a raid over Liverpool and saw the railway sidings.
Wed Mar 18 09:26:23 2009
Rhyl Youth Action Group
Rhyl's not all that bad!
WATCH THE RHYL'S REVIVAL DVD
youtube.com/watch?v=NGOOU402GRM
Rhyl's Revival. The film was produced by young members of Rhyl Youth Action Group (RYAG), with help and guidance from Anytime Films. It was scripted, shot, voiced and edited entirely by the young people who worked incredibly hard on the film, and was designed to counter some of the negative press Rhyl has been getting recently. The Youth Cafe is just one of many developed locations in Rhyl which were chosen by the young crew to feature in the film. Overall this demonstrated that there are still loads of nice places to visit, for locals and tourists alike.
Mon Feb 9 10:24:48 2009
Edmund, University of Manchester
I am a student doing coursework based on the sports development which was built on the site of the old refuse tip, 1km south east of Rhyl centre. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me when tipping started and stopped at this location. I would also appreciate any other information relating to the history of this site. I am aware that it was flooded regularly in the 1st half of the 20th century, but I do not know when this stopped or why.
Wed Dec 3 08:57:04 2008
Trog, St Helens
Can anyone tell me where the Coop camp was in Rhyl/Towyn? Can't find anything on it anywhere.
Thu Nov 27 09:29:28 2008
Ben, Rhyl
I think that it is sadly now impossible for Rhyl to revert to its former glory. For starters it attracts the wrong sort of holiday makernow...either that or the standards of people has declined. The glorious looking Victorian architecture has been left to ruin, cheaply modified, largely abandoned and as a result much of the front has or will be demolished to make way for apartments - which do not keep with Rhyl's historic look. The attractions have gone, the pier, the pavilion, Palace theatre and now sadly Ocean Beach. The replacements are horrible modern abominations that look stupid. Rhyl is a ghost town in peak season!
Thu Nov 13 08:55:37 2008
Bob, ex-Rhyl
For J. Horton, reference WWII bombs in Marsh Road. I lived in Victoria Road and I remember that there were a couple of houses in ruins in Ffordd Las, close to Marsh Road. I was told they had been bombed but I know no more than that.
Fri Oct 24 08:34:57 2008
Geoff (Hughie) Banks
I lived in Rhyl 1953 to 1967. What a fantastic place for a kid to grow up in, what memories, so sad things change. It's great to see all the comments from people who also loved the place, Geoff.
Fri Oct 24 08:23:52 2008
Mike Hardwick
I spent a week in Rhyl back in the '70s just before the Sun Centre was built. I had great memories of the place but last year I made a trip for a day out. Oh, how sad it was. The sea front looks good but after that, well, sadly not much could be said. Guess Rhyl, like most seaside resorts, are living back in Victorian times and have not moved on with the times.
Mon Oct 20 08:41:35 2008
John Todd of Derby
Having a few days holiday from work, my wife and I decided to visit Rhyl on 15 Oct this year. What a mistake. I always thought of the place as a nice holiday town but having not visited it (or known anyone who has) before we got a bit of a shock. I would say to be fair it is "out of season" mid October but even so what a mistake and waste of a day out. I spent £3 on car parking and was a bit miffed at not getting my money's worth from that. A walk around the town centre, a visit to the charity shops and away. A total of around one hour or just short of. We headed back into Chester and the day picked up 100% and we finished up with a smile on our faces. Sorry Rhyl, but how do you keep people in the town? They must wish they could pack their bags and move. One big pat on the back though, the toilet block by the fun fair, how nice it was to give these premises a visit. Clean, very tidy and a credit to the people who look after them. Thank you. To the rest of the town, I'm sorry but you have lost it, and will only visit Wales again from a very distant view point of Rhyl.
Mon Oct 20 08:04:40 2008
Mark, Llandudno
I went to school in Rhyl, I'm 33 now but over the years I've seen the change in Rhyl. I'm going to say it - Rhyl is a dump! You cannot even compare Rhyl to Llandudno. Conwy County Council don't want Llandudno to turn into anything like Rhyl. That's Denbighshire council for you. OK, I agree with the older generation on the fact it used be a nice place but those days are long gone. Rhyl RIP
Fri Oct 17 09:17:20 2008
Dave Hughes, Dingle, Liverpool
How I miss Rhyl, moved to live in Liverpool in 1985 after meeting my future wife in sunny Ibiza, and settled into the Liverpool way of life. I have 3 sons born and bred in Liverpool but moved my family to Rhyl for a 3 year stint in 2003 before moving back to the Dingle area because my wife didn't settle too well. I can see Rhyl getting better year by year but there's a long way to go to the good old days of my childhood. Good old sunny Rhyl, and Rhyl FC forever.
Tue Oct 14 10:13:22 2008
Paul Woodhouse - Manchester
Having not been to Rhyl for must be over 20 years, we decided to have a few days there mid August. We stayed at Robin Hood. Considering I've not been to Rhyl for such a long time I was surprised how much Robin Hood had been done up. I was also suprised at Ffrith beach. I couldn't believe how run down it was and only opens fully at weekends. (This we were told by the bloke who was running the quad bikes.) We visited Rhyl itself and also the Sun Centre which was quite dear for a family and after you have been on the slides a couple of times you're bored and the prices were stupid. Thought the beach was quite clean but all in all I wouldn't go again and was quite disappointed with the place.
Mon Oct 6 08:23:09 2008
Kevin, Shrewsbury
I have been coming to Rhyl every summer since I was born, and have witnessed the slow decline of the town. I was saddened when the fair area of Ffrith Beach was taken down and the area left to ruin, now Rhyl fair has been taken away! The fair was THE landmark left in Rhyl. I used to love the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House, but that was taken away, what is left, a rip-off of a kids area, a poor rotunda/tower, a run down Sun Centre and land train stations but no land train! When I was young, the arcades stretched most of the way down the prom, towards the fair, there was even a Mr Peabody's. This year while on holiday in Kinmel Bay, most of the time I took my family elsewhere in North Wales, and even spent the whole last day over in Caernarfon just because there was not much to do in Rhyl! Please bring back the fun and not just concentrate on cosmetics. Tourists money will help regenerate the area, but make it worth their while!
Mon Sep 22 08:13:55 2008
J Horton, Rhyl
Does anyone know of any bombs being dropped in Rhyl around the Marsh Road, Ffordd Las areas during ww2?
Mon Aug 11 14:35:15 2008
Tonyg + Livb, Shropshire
As a kid I had lovely times in Rhyl and people there always seemed kind. I even remember the Punch and Judy shows they used to have. I remember going there with my girlfriend, Liv, and having a lovely time. Hope Rhyl can get back to how it used to be.
Mon Aug 11 11:34:44 2008
Ray, Denbigh
Has anyone paid a visit to the Marine Lake recently? The stench is as if raw sewerage is in the lake.
Tue Aug 5 12:31:05 2008
Bob Williams from Weymouth
The problem with the decline of Rhyl has been the lack of investment, it doesn't have any form of industrial base and as a result until recently it had no attraction to investors. Local authorities never had the funds to do the sort of development hat was needed. Weymouth was a bit like this in 1960 when I came here, its main attraction was the beach. Slowly investment started in the 1970s and gradually it has grown until this year when we are getting a 4* hotel. This will happen in Rhyl as other developers see an oppurtunity but it will take time, despair ye not.
Mon Aug 4 09:47:13 2008
Ben, Rhyl
Rhyl is slowly being turned around, and yes, it's going to take time. Over the next 10 years or so there are sooo many regeneration projects going on that by the end of the next decade many people will not even recognise Rhyl at all. New Drift Park (waste of money, but it still looks better than what was there previously). Botanical Gardens have been taken over by a community group and they are working very hard to restore it and add a lot more things to do there. Ocean Plaza, it's coming along, and once finished will do loads for West Rhyl. New suspension bridge over the Foryd for cyclists and pedestrians. Rhyl IS going forward. I've found a brilliant Rhyl community website too where locals go on and post their opinions and local news and things. It's amazing - www.rhyltoday.co.uk/forum
Wed Jul 30 11:51:18 2008
Shoshauna Kirkpatrick, Nottingham.
What is happening to Queens market and the amusements? I was a regular visitor to Rhyl about 5 years ago, and made friends in the amusements. I loved the town and keep saying I'll go back, but reading this I'm scared that it will not be the same and the bubble will be burst.
Mon Jul 28 09:09:22 2008
David Blease
I had a day out in Rhyl this week and I am ashamed to say I came from this town. It is the biggest dump I have seen in years. It is dirty and full of drunks. The beach is better kept than the town itself. Please, please clean up your act - you could have a good holiday town once again if you get your act together.
Tue Jul 15 08:34:03 2008
Michael Gillan, Earby, Lancs, aged 44
I spent most of my family summer holidays at Rhyl. We travelled down from Nelson by train with the whole family - mum, dad, grandma, grandad, aunts, uncles, cousins. We recently lost grandma and Uncle Fred to cancer and I've been looking at many Rhyl sites to remind me of the wonderful times we had in the late '60s, '70s and a lot of the '80s.
Tue Jul 15 08:11:02 2008
Tim Sykes
I have just visited Rhyl. I haven't been to Rhyl since 1979 and thought it would be nice to revisit the place with my family. My recollections of the place was that it was like Blackpool but with class and cleanliness, lots to see and do and if you didn't have much money then you still wouldn't get bored. I arrived at 1pm and paid for all day parking. I left 2 hours later. The place is a tip. Sorry to say but it is. If you want to go into 7 amusement arcades which are filthy or eat cheap burgers and hot dogs then go...whoever is responsible for letting this lovely town go down the pan needs shooting - it really is a crime.
Mon Jul 14 08:45:40 2008
Gaz, Birmingham
Does anybody remember Churchills nightclub over the bridge at the back of Rhyl train station? It was formerly the Bridge Club, I think. There was a social club opposite called the Vale. We had some great nights in Churchills. There was severn or eight of us that came up from Brum every couple of weeks to RHYL. Ann and Selwyn used to arrange a pool match between us and the locals. Great memories. Long live RHYL.
Mon Jun 23 09:02:25 2008
Lynn Pinnington, Runcorn
I have been going to Rhyl since I was a child and I would like to say what they have done to the seafront is wrong. They have taken away most of the shops, the fun fair and all great memories that people share. I would not go anywere else as the people are very friendly and me and my kids enjoy the good times we have.
Tue Jun 10 08:40:48 2008
Colin, Rhyl
The problems with Rhyl are solely down to the Council. Householders pay a massive undervalued Council Tax with our rates. Councillors attempt to look after holidaymakers without any care or attention for its locals that pay it rates. Come on councillors listen to your rate payers.
Mon Jun 2 09:23:58 2008
Bill, Ponty
Stop moaning! People like the old style. It's what brings tourists and that brings money. You need money to liven things up!
Thu May 15 08:36:39 2008
Karen Manchester
I used to go to Rhyl when I was 18 with my family on bank hol August weekend. The place was buzzing. I went out with one the fairground lads - think he was called Carl, what memories. Now at 37, I find out that Rhyl has steadly declined and the fair closed and been demolished. What a shame, they should have built another fair but bigger and better. I went to Blackpool the other weekend and found it to be also be not as good as it used to be. I am quite a snob, as I am spoilt living in Manchester a now vibrant city, with lots of nice bars and restaurants, but when I go away on holiday it's to the Costa del Sol. Shame for Rhyl, hope it makes a comeback in some way.
Thu May 15 08:35:49 2008
Sarah Morgan
I have been goin to Rhyl since I was a kid and I still love it. Never the way I remember it but isn't that good? I think there's always something new and different for you and your kids. Nobody likes doing the same thing year after year.
Tue May 13 08:48:46 2008
Cath, Rhyl Resident
Why are people remembering Rhyl from when they were children? What is a parent's job? A parent's job is to protect children, children do not see dangers, children see funny looking people, people with strange clothes, people with odd hair cuts. Maybe your parents just did a good job sheltering you from real dangers. I work in a well known store and the worse ones that are rude are some of the older shoppers. I have been whistled at to gain my attention, I have been run over with a motorised mobility scooter to get my attention and I've been oh you'd at, all by the older generation. The ones people say 'look, scary' turn out to be some of the politest. 'Excuse me miss, could you please tell me where that item is' or I've dropped something and they have come across and helped me. Not all strange looking, scary looking, odd hair styled youths are dangerous, some just want to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.
Tue May 6 08:45:57 2008
John
Kev and Trog go to Rhyl today forum, all the information you require will be there.
Tue May 6 08:13:11 2008
Sarah
Was going to take my kids to Rhyl but read what you have all got to say and now we're not going. I used to go to Rhyl for my summer hoilday when I was little with my mom and dad and family - used to have a great time, what happened to it?
Tue May 6 07:53:43 2008
Kevin Bunn
Can anyone give me some information about Morfa Hall in Rhyl between 1925 and 1949? Then it became a school.
Wed Apr 30 13:42:29 2008
Trog, St Helens
Just read in the Visitor about a new hover craft service operating from Rhyl beach. Any locals shed any light on this? Sounds like someone has had a great idea at last.
Wed Apr 30 11:41:43 2008
Chris, Birmingham
What has happened to Rhyl? I have spent many a happy year in Rhyl and Prestatyn. What has been achieved in pulling the fair down and building flats? The heart has been pulled out of Rhyl and the council don't seem to care about it as long as they can make a fast buck from so called redevelopment. Build a new fair and get the place back on its feet!
Wed Apr 23 08:19:05 2008
Craig from Stoke
Please don't knock it, it's not far to travel, there are some great places to visit in Wales. Last year we went on Palins camp - my little girls loved it, plenty to do. If we can get the time off this year we will be going again but camping instead of staying in a caravan. Good times - keep going, it's on the up.
Mon Apr 21 08:38:20 2008
Marco, London
The problem we see in Rhyl is that the council desperately try and try again to clean up spoilt areas, redevelop old buildings and try to integrate new areas of interest. This is partly for the tourism and also partly for the locals. But we can see time and time again that this doesn't work and that the new developments and ideas soon decay to resemble the 'old' Rhyl. The problem does not appear to be with the 'areas' but rather with the people who use them, both tourists and locals alike.... I have no idea on a solution to this problem other than turfing out all the degenerate drug dealers, thieves and thugs. But then where do you throw them to? Prestatyn?! A complete 'zero tolerance' police state is, sadly, the only answer I can think to improving the safety and appeal of Rhyl. Another problem is that all the decent, normal folk of Rhyl get so angry / fearful / depressed with Rhyl that they end up going to university and never going back (I am one of these people) and so leave the worst kind of residents to take over the place...
Thu Apr 17 08:39:58 2008
Cath
I live near where the fair was. I don't get any druggies sat down the alley or by my house. I don't think Rhyl has a worse drug problem than any other sea side town. I must say that some of the new developments on the prom are starting to take shape and the ones that are being refurbished look very much like they did in the 1900s old photos. I think we all need to look on the positive side and name a few attractions we have got like the Sun Centre, the Pavilion theatre, the Little Theatre on Vale Road, the steam railway that has a free museum and takes many of the locals and tourists alike around the marine lake, the sand and sea, the donkey rides, plenty of children's play parks, the Sea Life Centre, the libary with a free museum upstairs (lift available), a nice shopping centre, some very good shops and department stores and plenty of choice of where to eat. Rhyl has plenty of escape routes too, a very good bus service (a bus every 15 mins) a cycle path along the coast and a train station with trains to many destinations. Rhyl also has a few taxi ranks so you don't even have to phone one. We have lovely views of the hills both towards Denbigh and Snowdonia in the other direction. We have both police and community wardens walking the streets, not to mention the town radio link that connects local businesses to the going ons around town. I don't think Rhyl is as bad as you make out. Rhyl does have its fair share of problems but can any town honestly say they do not have people taking drugs either on the streets or behind closed doors? Can they say they never see a rubbish bag left out or someone has thrown something on the floor? Rhyl has a good clean every morning by motorised street cleaners (mini). Holidaymakers don't stay away, it is still nice to visit and still has a lot of friendly people here.
Wed Apr 9 07:21:54 2008
Patricia Taylor, Rhyl
To Mrs Jean Frost on the OBE, awarded for over 40 yrs service to the RNLI.
Wed Apr 2 10:05:19 2008
David from Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl for many years. It is a dirty town and I can't wait until I am able to move. Those of you who think that Rhyl is a nice place either don't live here or are not being honest with yourselves.
Wed Mar 19 10:00:31 2008
Sharon Kenny, Eccles, Manchester
I have spent many great holidays in Wales, especially Rhyl, as my brother lives there. We currently have a caravan in Towyn and go every weekend and have a great time. But I agree with other readers that it was time for the fair to go it was an eyesore and looked dangerous, but Rhyl does need something to replace this and bring back the custom. Though the front of the promenade is now taking shape and being cleaned up the kids and families need somewhere to go ie: roller skating or ice skating so when you are building this new fantastic venture please think about this.
Tue Mar 18 08:26:29 2008
Mary-Tricia AUSTRALIA
I saw Rhyl 5 years ago and could have wept for the ugliness of a seaside place. Small chn. were swimming and I wanted to gather them up and bring them to a place where beaches are beautiful. Also around the town, I did not feel safe. I hope something beautiful can happen for you all.
Fri Mar 14 08:16:28 2008
Trog, St Helens
Rhyl is brilliant - just hope all the moaning gits on here stay away and don't spoil it for those of us who like it. (Go to Blackpool!)
Mon Mar 3 08:22:22 2008
Mr Elliot, Scotland
Hi I've been to Wales lots of times and was thinking of bringing my young family to Rhyl this year. Please tell me it's not as bad as some people are making it out to be. I'm sure my 4 year old and 2 year old will love it?
Tue Feb 26 14:33:14 2008
Maureen McGann
First of all thank you for providing such a brilliant link for people like myself to express their views on Rhyl which I found by accident whilst browsing. My late mother took me to Rhyl when I was a baby and have enjoyed holidays in Rhyl for over 60 years. I introduced my husband to Rhyl in 1963 and since then we have both enjoyed at least 2 holidays a year. In the 80s we owned a caravan in Rhyl and had many happy holidays for at least 6 weeks a year. However, during the last 5 years we have seen nothing but boarded up hotels and businesses along the prom and side streets. You could years ago walk along the prom at 11pm with crowds of holiday makers enjoying themselves - now if you drive along the prom at 9pm (I say drive, because it's unsafe to walk) everywhere is closed with only a handful of people in the couple of arcades that remain open. The streets are full of litter, drunks and drug addicts which makes the environment totally unsafe for holiday makers, especially those with children. We spoke last year to a couple of chaps who were collecting "needles" which were left behind the cinema near to the sky tower, and believe this was their normal daily routine. The toilets close at 5pm and charge us ladies 20p, no wonder people urinate all over the place. As a child I loved the fair, roller skating rink, cycling rink and paddling pool. Now we were told the new site namely the Driftwood would totally revive the prom - what a joke. The paddling pool at the height of summer 2007 closed at 5pm, there are a couple of benches the rest of the seating is concrete blocks. I can remember sitting round the pool at 9pm on a lovely sunny evening with many children and their families enjoying the later summer evenings. The theatres have been demolished to make way for what? A concrete maze which is supposed to be an open-air theatre, but I've never seen any action there. The Pavillion Theatre is far too over-priced for people with several children, and year after year the same old type of acts appear. Look what happened to the lovely Pavillion Theatre, it was demolished because it was said the dome was unsafe, when it was demolished the dome came down in one piece and was filmed by friends of ours who ran an amusement arcade and was very sad for all those who had spent many happy years in the theatre. The only entertainment theatre wise last year was a circus, which I would say was most enjoyable and did bring the crowds back into Rhyl/Kinmel Bay. I also agree with one of your writers' comments on the new Asda store on the former site of the fair, and can only imagine the chaos it will bring during the summer months to the island junction, this was bad enough when the fair was there. The Childrens Village absolutely destroyed the prom turning it into nothing but a mass of concrete. I can remember as a child the coaching bringing us to Rhyl as we approached the High Street over the railway bridge you could see the clock on the prom and the lovely sea beyond and it was then I knew with excitement that I was on holiday. I have come to the conclusion that the Council that runs Rhyl are just not interested in keeping this a seaside town for holiday makers to enjoy, but drive them away, they have provided this by charging us to park along the prom - do they realise it is the holiday makers that are their bread and butter? If it was not for the New Pines and the fact that we can get outside Rhyl to the beautiful and unspoiled town of Llandudno and surrounding towns, then we would certainly not visit Rhyl. The most treasured memories we have left of Rhyl are the many photos and films we have taken and of course the wonderful collection of photos taken by the many people who have contributed to this site.
Tue Feb 26 10:05:06 2008
Alan Friend
Why has Rhyl been allowed sink so low that people no longer want to visit what used to be one of the best resorts in N Wales? As an ex resident of Rhyl, and from what have read, I feel very ashamed of both councils and government for allowing this to happen.
Thu Feb 21 11:36:46 2008
Ella Culley
Hi there, I am a walk leader from the women's centre Rhyl. If there are any ladies out there that would like to join our short walks, they are Monday 1.30pm til 2.30pm or Thursday 12 til 1pm. We just do short steady walks to improve health and fun. Ask women's centre, Water Street, Rhyl. Today we walked from the sky tower to splash point and back. Thursday it's from the women's centre to Marine lake.
Mon Feb 18 15:15:04 2008
Kim / Shane, Rhyl Youthbank
Rhyl Youthbank currently has money to allocate on projects run by groups of 3 or more and aged between 11-25 years. We have 5 x pots of £2,000 to allocate on Environmental projects i.e Recycling, Shredders for schools to reduce waste, street cleans, etc. There are also grants of £50 - £1,000 to be allocated for projects based upon arts, healthy living, sports. Application forms can be downloaded on www.ryag.org.uk.
Fri Feb 15 09:17:51 2008
Tom, Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl for 5 years and I cannot find a cribbage club - is there one?
Tue Feb 12 09:42:23 2008
Amanda from Rhyl
I think Asda should stay where it is in Kinmel Bay. It gives Kinmel Bay residents nearby employment as well as a close shop for the elderly to get to who don't drive. Can you imagine the traffic jams round Foryd Bridge roundabout area in the summer, it's going to cause chaos! The fun fair should have been replaced with something for the young people, bring back the ice rink and maybe bowling or skating centre and a sports centre, giving the children as well as adults something to do and keep them fit and healthy which is what the government is always trying to make us believe we should do! A new pier sounds a great idea, keep a bit of Rhyl's memories alive. Promote more holidaymakers to visit Rhyl again.
Fri Feb 1 08:09:45 2008
Janette, Rhyl
Even though I still think the Queens should stay, Rhyl will be a better place when it's all finished.
Tue Jan 29 08:40:33 2008
Rachel Maroulis, Bangor
Aren't they keeping the Queens market? And what's going to be placed in this new place where the fun fair used to be?
Thu Jan 17 15:15:42 2008
Lowey
What is happening with the Queen's Market? Yes, it's tatty and scruffy so modernise it then and make it in to a proper market. Rhyl needs a market - save the Queens.
Mon Jan 14 08:36:15 2008
John Garratt, Warrington
My son is 6 years old. I wanted to take him to Rhyl fun fair in 2008. He is really into the fair grounds. It is very sad that they are all being demolished. Southport fun fair has been demolished as well, these were two places I really wanted to take my son. I spent a lot of time in Rhyl when I was a child and teenager and wanted to carry on the family tradition. This is really bad news, I cannot believe that it's gone.
Fri Jan 11 10:13:23 2008
Matt from Rhyl
Rhyl isn't as bad as you're all making it to be. I've lived here all my life. Yes, it was a mess a few years ago but it has been cleaned up. The druggies have been moved else where. The prom has been cleaned up and the fair was a hazard anyway. I think the new development at Rhyl fair will look more appealing, bring more people to Rhyl and make it more attractive.
Thu Jan 10 13:02:53 2008
Rachel Maroulis from Bangor, Gwynedd
I am a massive roller coaster fan and I worked at a theme park myself and it is a shame they have knocked this one down. I used to love the pepsi loop roller coaster. Now every time I go to work on the train and go past Rhyl I always look out for where this theme park used to be and it reminds me of old memories. Tell you one thing it will never be forgotten.
Tue Jan 8 12:51:37 2008
Mela Wilde, Rhyl
We retired to Rhyl six years ago from Manchester, and only have praise for the town and the people in it. So it is run down, the council are doing lots to bring it back for the people who live here, but the people are so polite and friendly it makes up for the surroundings. So nice to see happy smiling faces everywhere you go, people who are happy to help and who have time to talk, we wish we had moved here years ago. The Welsh are such lovely honest people.
Tue Jan 8 10:32:23 2008
Jennifer Clinton, Melbourne, Australia
My nana and grandfather lived in Rhyl and I spent all my school holidays as a child in Rhyl. My grandfather worked at the fairground as a carpenter and joiner and helped to build the roller coaster all those years ago and I spent a lot of time there in his workshop at the fairground. I am intending visiting Rhyl this year after 30 years and am very disappointed that the fairground is no longer there. I hope all the other features of Rhyl that I remember are still there otherwise it will be a very sad visit.
Fri Jan 4 09:28:08 2008
Anna n Tasha from Salford
We have been going since we were little. It is a big disappointment to see the fair being knocked down.
Thu Jan 3 15:08:24 2008
A thoughtful chap...
I grew up in this town and spent 21 years living there. I have a fondness in my heart for all the people I met in my time and the fact we all bonded to survive it. But, negatively, since leaving, survival has not been a question and it took some getting used to as that's all I knew! The people aren't the problem with Rhyl, economy is nought and decay is rife courtesy of local government. How many pubs per yard again? In other places there are clubs of varying musical taste, choices of food from around the world not just burgers, theatres showing good plays not just panto, cinemas showing art movies or independent films not just blockbusters. Galleries feature famous artists not just students, famous bands not just local, museums of prominent artifacts. Always something to do and the money to do it with. How are the people of Rhyl supposed to encourage learning to the youth in an environment not designed to influence anything but despair?
Mon Dec 17 08:39:57 2007
Sian, Rhyl
Happy now moaners? My only pleasure, the fun fair has been knocked down. What am I supposed to do with my time now?That beautiful place kept me out of trouble.
Mon Dec 17 08:32:02 2007
Chris from Wolverhampton
Why are these people doing this to what could be a wonderful holiday attraction? I've been going to Rhyl since I was a 2 month old baby with my nan and grandad. I'm 27 now and it has been nice to take my three beautiful boys and partner with me to keep up the tradition. People diss Rhyl for drugs and violence, try living in the Midlands guns, drugs, stabbings etc... count yourselves lucky Rhyl councillors. All Rhyl needed was a bit of tender loving care not a supermarket. What's wrong with Asda and Morrisons which are about 2 mins away from the old Rhyl fair? VERY, VERY, VERY SAD to see it all go.
Sun Dec 2 16:48:22 2007
Jay, Cheshire
I'm so angry that Rhyl fair has been demolished and for no reason. Loads of people went there including me, I often went. By demolishing the fair Rhyl has just lost most of the people that visit there.
Fri Nov 30 09:02:14 2007
M. Jones, Ireland
I grew up around Rhyl and my parents still live there. I still enjoy visiting it and during the summer months the place still heaves with tourists. So Rhyl must still be doing something right. It's not the DSS bedsit hell hole that other bloggers are trying to make out, there's much worse around the coasts. Rhyl has always done a good job of putting itself down.The council don't really do enough or invest enough to make it attractive to the newer, maybe more affluent tourist, or as a serious upmarket holiday home destination.It would be interesting to see how many councillors own villas in Spain or Portugal and probably couldn't care less about Rhyl as a potential upmarket summer destination.Still, it will always be my 2nd home and good luck to it.
Mon Nov 26 14:31:22 2007
Jamie, Chester
Why have they demolished Rhyl Fair? Loads of people went there. All's it needed was a bit of money :( I shall be complaining!
Mon Nov 26 13:23:30 2007
Andy (Mad-Dog) McNeil, Rhyl
Rhyl was very popular in the 70s and 80s. What have they done to my home town?
Mon Nov 26 08:09:38 2007
Kim, 17, Rhyl
I've lived in Rhyl my whole life and I agree with both the people who are dissing Rhyl and the people who are sticking up for Rhyl. Rhyl was definitely better when I was younger as it was tidier and safer and it's gone down hill since the police have been concerning themselves more with catching people who are speeding than those who are selling and taking drugs. Not all under 18s hang around on the streets drinking and gobbing off at people. I do agree though that they don't have anywhere to go in Rhyl.Even though the fun fair is now gone, rumour has it that one of the rides has gone to a working museum as it was one of the oldest in Britain.If the council spent more money renovating the things that are already in Rhyl instead of knocking down the old things and putting new buildings there Rhyl would probably have a better environment, therefore making more people visit and making the residents of Rhyl happier in general.
Fri Nov 16 15:08:54 2007
Mel, Pretstatyn
Interesting comments all but Rhyl is well past its sell by date and would require millions in councillors' back pockets to put right, the same people are the landlords who house the multitude of druggies that live and rob there.I like Rhyl, it holds many a happy hour in my memory in particular as a child but having lived and worked in many major cities in the UK I think Rhyl is totally unappealing, dirty and dangerous.
Tue Nov 13 15:02:36 2007
Jerry
Rhyl, such a beautiful little town. Why not get a machine to scrub the High St EVERY night and empty the garbage twice a day. Get fresh eyes to point out what those in charge obviously don't see. Greeting from Canada.
Mon Nov 12 14:16:36 2007
Danny, Belgrano, Rhyl
I have lived in the surrounding area the whole of my life and consider myself to be a true "Rhyl-head". I love the people, we all tend to share the same philosophy. Drink and drink alike! Live on Rhyl, forever in my heart.
Tue Nov 6 08:45:08 2007
Marie from Bolton
I grew up in Rhyl, attended Emmanuel S.M. school, danced in the Pavillion, the Morville Hotel & the Ritz ballroom, went skating at the rink (one of my best friends was skating queen) and rode my bike all around the area. So many happy memories. My mother is 92 and still lives in Rhyl so I still visit. Of course I have seen lots of changes, the one that upset me most was the demolition of the Pavillion, but Rhyl will always be one of my favourite places.
Wed Oct 31 10:09:42 2007
Tracey, Rhyl
I've lived in Rhyl all my life. Why was the fair pulled down? All it needed was a little money spending on it. Why have they not finished everything else they have started?
Mon Oct 29 08:47:02 2007
Dob Dobson, Rhyl
Rhyl needs a pier as it will give the run down town some integrity and show that Rhyl is on the up. Would be nice to have a stroll out to sea.
Thu Oct 25 07:58:38 2007
Aaron From Brum
The funfair needed a bit of an upgrade, not a supermarket. Some of the flats on the front need work doing to them but I just think it's a bit extreme to demolish the lot n change everything. Everything that made Rhyl great is disappearing. Changing fairs to shops n stuff like that's gonna make it like a retirement retreat - Llandudno!
Wed Oct 24 13:40:12 2007
Charlie S from Wrexham
I'm 24 and have visited Rhyl numerous times. Some of my family live in Abergele, so obviously, I'm up and down to Rhyl. It's a shame that the funfair has been demolished to make way for a supermarket... But like most of the other comments I have read on here, the place is finished. There is a large drug culture there due to drug addicts from Liverpool being sent there, due to cheap DSS flat pricing. It really is a shame. My sister and bro-in-law with their baby came for a day out there a few months back. She was so nervous about taking a baby on the front where the arcades are, she didn't even get out of the car and went back home to Wrexham. I think it's a shame that a location can have that much of a negative impact on people. Although I've lived in various parts of the UK, I'm back in the area again... I'll always love Rhyl - in a funny sort of a way!
Wed Oct 24 08:39:55 2007
Aaron from Brum
I think its a shame what they're doin to the place. Been going to Rhyl for years. Had loads of great nights in the Garfield n Sandringham. I just come back from me 21st n although I loved it I think it might be one of the last times I go for a while.
Tue Oct 23 14:47:27 2007
William Jones, Rhuddlan
Rhyl is the worst eyesore on the North Wales Coast. Very sad as I have lived in the area for 50 years. Colwyn Bay is following in its footpath, getting really run down. I do my shopping in Llandudno or Chester. I had some visitors over from Germany and did a whistle stop tour of North Wales. I avoided Rhyl as it would leave them the wrong impression of North Wales. I took them to Prestatyn instead.
Mon Oct 22 08:16:42 2007
Ellie off Flint
It is a shame the way Rhyl has ended up. When I was a kid we spent a lot of time in Rhyl with Sunday school and various trips - we thought it was amazing and always looked forward to going there. I have travelled to many places all over the world on holiday and when you get chatting to people they ask where I'm from. I always say near Rhyl and 9 out of 10 people know instantly where Rhyl is because they too have holidayed there in their childhood and, like me, have very fond memories of the place and because of that they take their own children there. But now I think the authorities have killed Rhyl.
Fri Oct 19 14:29:08 2007
Mike Davis, London
:(
My favourite ever holiday destination. I and 3 friends all agree that we experienced the biggest "laugh attack" of our lives around the fun fair (not on the rides but in pursuit of some young lovelies).
We camped there year in year out for about 5 years and invented the phrase binge-drinking.
Rhyl, I love you! Sigmar
Thu Oct 18 14:28:20 2007
Jen Ys from Colwyn Bay
I hope the new development in Rhyl will help boost its public perception and economy - I especially hope that the rumour I've heard about IKEA coming to Rhyl is true. I still feel a bit sad about the loss of the fun fair though.
Thu Oct 18 11:37:17 2007
Annmarie in Scotland
I moved away from Rhyl a few years ago, there was nothing for my children, I feared for their safety. There was nothing left any more apart from violence, drink and drugs...the council need to take a good hard look at themselves. Maybe, if they did, I would move back...
Thu Oct 11 09:12:03 2007
Jim MacKenzie, Warrington
There was a series of proposals for Rhyl area to be the national centre for renewable electricity, promoted predominately by a Doctor Anderson, a local doctor in Kinmel. The local power generation technology has changed greatly, being more affordable and easier to use than that first proposed. Now that climate change is a reality, and fossil fuel shortage imminent, there is a need to revist the "Seatram" project, costing have changed and dare I say it, the political will to have out of the box thinking and not more of yesteryear's thinking.
Wed Oct 10 09:00:16 2007
Stuart Jones, Rhyl
I hope the council copy the blue prints like the old pier we used to have. It would be nice to have the pier in the same place from where it was in 1973 when it closed, opposite Woolworths in Rhyl.
Mon Oct 8 14:58:27 2007
Amanda Brookes, Manchester
I went back to Rhyl with my partner to see how it had changed since I have moved here and I can only echo the sentiments of the people who have contributed to this page. It was absolutely filthy with so many aggressive and scary looking people that I was intimidated just walking down the prom past the arcades. It's so sad, I loved Rhyl when I lived there as a child but left for Manchester as, believe it or not, it's cleaner and less frightening! Although I live in England now my heart is still with Wales and the area I grew up in and I am so proud of the local residents and their passion for their hometown, it's great to see you all fighting the good fight. Good Luck to you, I will keep checking these pages to see what happens.
Mon Oct 8 10:43:33 2007
NATHAN SMITH, RHYL
Well, I'm very sad to see the funfair go cos I've been there all my life and used to work on the fair as well - was a bonus!
Fri Oct 5 08:43:01 2007
David Hughes, Nottingham
I was surprised the other day to find a reference to a proposed light railway scheme between Rhyl and Rhuddlan that was presented to the council a few years ago. The plan wo use much of the old track formation between Rhyl and Rhuddlan of the Vale of Clwyd line that was shut in the 1960s. How is this for a suggestion: Build such a light railway / tramway and extend it from Rhyl to St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen making for an environmentally friendly transport spine to the county of Denbighshire.
At Rhyl, instead of stopping at the new marina site, extend it along the length of the promenade and into Prestatyn. This would ease mobility for the locals and provide a "Coast and Country" link for holidaymakers which took them from the beach, with its view of the wind farms (perhaps one stop could be a new pier on the Promenade from which hydrofoils or hovercrafts could make an excursion out to sea to the wind farms.)
All this could be pulled together under an environmentally friendly branding for Rhyl. Any takers?
Fri Oct 5 08:19:29 2007
John, Rhyl
Hi Darren, I am trying to work out if you are English or Welsh with you saying you lived in a caravan - but as I have lived and worked in Wales for 37 years I would say I too am passionate about my adopted country. I am also glad that attitudes like yours are dying out, aren't you glad that England don't live by your rules otherwise you wouldn't be living and working in Warrington maybe when you have filled your pockets in England you can come and buy one of the penthouses.
Fri Oct 5 08:17:32 2007
Darren Forster, Warrington
We used to have a caravan years ago at Kinmel Bay and remember either going to the arcades in Towyn like The Black Cat, and then sometimes going the other direction over the blue bridge into Rhyl. I can't believe Rhyl is changing from a family holiday destination into such an upmarket venue. Destroying the fair to make way for new homes and a leisure park on the site seems wrong. No doubt these new homes will be the typical multi-million pound penthouses for the rich and famous to have as a spare retreat, and not a cheap B&B, they're ruining everything, they are also trying to replace Camelot with houses too, how many more entertainment venues are going to be destroyed and turned into these posh snobs' houses? Hopefully though the houses that are built on the site of the old fun fair will be only available to people who can speak Cymraeg and are passionate about Cymru, not someone with a load of money who just wants an extra holiday penthouse. I am one of these people who is really passionate about Cymru, but unfortunately due to the house prices being so high there I am stuck in England (grr!).
Thu Oct 4 10:54:42 2007
Andy from Prescot
I spent nearly every weekend in Rhyl in the 70s and 80s. Our family owned chalets and then caravans there.It's so sad to see the place so run down, replacing the fun fair with housing is not a bad idea but the introduction of a major supermarket to the area is a bad move.Local independant traders and stores will mean investments stay in the area, traders also buy stock locally. Don't make the mistakes my local council did, Tescos have ruined our local high street.Look forward Rhyl. Great location, great people, use the sea and surrounding countryside, there is so much potential here. Good luck.
Wed Oct 3 10:08:11 2007
Phil Jones, Wrexham
I was born in Denbigh in 1964 and going to Rhyl was a geniune highlight in the '70s what with Stuart Hall and It's a Knockout and then Terry Wogan in the '80s with the monorail and the Radio 1 roadshows. It's a quick buck and a lack of real interest from those in charge that's been to blame for the problems. Now's the time to change - don't waste the chance again.
Mon Oct 1 09:08:19 2007
David Hughes, Nottingham
I was only thinking about the old pier the other day. Would it be feasible to build a new pier and use it as the basis of boat excursions out to the wind farm? This could form part of a wider re branding of Rhyl as an eco-friendly resort. As well as bringing in tourists, it would also bring benefits to the local population in terms of wider environmental renewal and sustainability. Rhyl could then be a pattern for future developments elsewhere and would be a cutting edge community with eco housing, energy and transport policies. Just a thought.
Fri Sep 21 08:38:13 2007
Matt, Abergele
Rhyl, Prestatyn, Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Holywell, Flint, the whole coast is full of drugs and violence. I guess Rhyl's the capital. Not much intelligence about either, they've all gone to better places.
Tue Sep 18 09:04:11 2007
John, Rhyl
As Rhyl moves forward let's not forget the main reason for Rhyl's decline in the eyes of the residents - not the tourists who come one day a year and spend £50 then get full of nostalgia because the fair closes down. It is important for Rhyl that we move away from daytripper tourism and move more towards a town that working people will move to because it's by the sea. Get rid of houses of multiple occupants by either knocking them down or demolishing the top floors turning them into dwellings fit to live in, cut the amount of scum flats and you will cut the amount of undesirables. Rhyl has been known as the biggest open air prison in the UK for to long. So we have to move behind the regenerated promenade to see the real problem.
Mon Sep 17 09:01:47 2007
Mike from New Zealand
I was born and raised in Rhyl until I was 7. My parents, David and Val, lived there years before I was born. They decided to bring the family over here to NZ (about as far away as you could get) - but it's really sad to hear how derelict Rhyl has become. I wish the council would do something to lift Rhyl back to its former glory. It's so sad to hear that the Rhyl fair has closed down. They're demolishing great tradition. Why couldn't they upgrade it?
Tue Sep 11 08:20:38 2007
Chloe Morris from Mold
I think it will be so sad to see the fair go. I hate Modus (the company buying the ground). Me and my mates always go 2 Rhyl. It's a well fab place especially the fair me and my mates will miss it so much! Rhyl fair is the best thing about Rhyl. It is getting a bit old but it is still great. I'll be so sad to see it go, I love Rhyl and Rhyl fair! I'll miss it so much!
Mon Sep 10 09:44:14 2007
Faith Puleston Jones - Germany
The day "Sunny" Rhyl Council decided to knock down the pavilion, only to replace it with a parking lot, was the downgrading of a traditionally pleasant seaside resort and certainly the beginning of the end of the town of my youth. Earlier this year I drove along the road between beach and town and was horrified at the cheapness and tastelessness of the architecture, if you can call it that. The fun fair had, in contrast to the pavilion, long outlived its usefulness, since plenty of pubs, bingo stalls and other cheap amusements are what the visitors to Rhyl presumably want (the rest stay away). I heartily echo Kev's and many other remarks. Until those responsible for Rhyl's demise realise that only better standards will restore the town to its past modest glory, nothing will change.
Thu Sep 6 12:56:09 2007
Dave Lifeis, North Wales
Rhyl and North Wales was years ago a brilliant place to go, for hols and days out. Now unfortunately it is full of problems, the hotels are now used to home those who have various problems in society, from all parts of the country. The Hotel proprietors are happy as the various goverment departments are paying them direct to house those with problems. Shame but that's why the area has become a dumping ground for people who cannot live in their own towns and cities, because of their circumstances. This is a fact and the area will just get worse until the area is cleaned up and the right investment is put in place and the local council wake up and smell the coffee! Let's hope.
Wed Sep 5 10:14:35 2007
Mary, Burnley, Lancashire
Response to James Williams 27th June 07. Do not tar everyone with the same brush from the Northwest as rough and lower class UK citizens. My late husband and I were both hard working people and saved up to take not one week but two weeks holiday in Rhyl every year, we returned to Rhyl for nineteen consecutive years with our four children. I introduced my late husband to Rhyl many years ago and he fell in love with the town from our first holiday there many years ago. The first time we went together with the family was the year the Sun Centre was being built and have seen every change that was made along the promanade. Unfortunately some of the changes were white elephants, the outdoor arena near the Sun Centre and the Childrens Village to name just two. Not being a residents of Rhyl only holiday makers, who else is there to blame but Denbigh Council. We watched the holiday flats, hotels and cafes along the promanade fall into derelict boarded up properties, the only residents left were pigeons, seagulls and vermin. To take an early stroll along the promanade only to be confronted with down and outs, alcoholics sitting in doorways, around the paddling pool area on public benches, not a pretty site. As a family of six we always stayed in holiday flats so we could come and go as we pleased, year after year the flats were turned into permanent residential flats until it was hard to find a decent holiday flat, especially with en-suite near the promenade then having to spend part of our holiday looking for flats for the following year. In 2001 while we were on holiday in Rhyl my husband and I decided that this was the last year we would come back to Rhyl, after nearly two decades of our annual holidays spent there enough was enough and we wouldn't come back ever again for our holidays. My last recollection of Rhyl was my husband leaning on the sea wall looking out over the sea, was he remembering all the happy times we had spent there and finally saying his goodbyes? I hope he was as five months later he passed away very suddenly. I am glad we had such great memories of Rhyl and he didn't have to see what the town became later. My only hope now is like the Phoenix, Rhyl can rise again out of the ashes.
Mon Sep 3 10:34:28 2007
Weblog: Rhyl
