Rhyl residents' despair as seaside town becomes 'a ghost town'

Once a popular seaside destination, Rhyl in North Wales has fallen on hard times. Locals now bemoan the lack of things to do and a dwindling number of visitors due to closed attractions, poor weather, and other factors.

Mark Chesterton, owner of a vintage fashion store in the town, has spoken out about the challenges faced by his business. He shared photos on social media showing deserted streets during peak business hours, highlighting the drastic decline in footfall.

What's gone wrong?

A number of factors have contributed to Rhyl's decline. The closure of the Ocean Beach funfair in 2007 was a major blow to the town's tourism industry. Poor weather and the rise of overseas holidays have also played a role.

In addition, austerity measures have hit local government budgets, leading to cuts in services such as street cleaning and bin collections. This has left the town looking run-down and uninviting.

What can be done?

Residents and business owners are calling on the local council to take action to revive Rhyl. They want to see more investment in attractions and infrastructure, as well as measures to support local businesses.

The council says it is aware of the challenges facing Rhyl and is working to address them. However, it admits that it is a complex issue with no easy solutions.

Quotes

"It's quiet everywhere," said Mark Chesterton. "There's no reason to come to Rhyl. Last Saturday there was no one in the shop, which is unheard of, and it's dead again today. It's awful, absolutely terrible."
"We've known quiet periods before but the situation now is ridiculous," said a local shopkeeper. "It's the same in Prestatyn and Abergele. Towyn is the busiest - because it provides entertainment."
"Rhyl has become a ghost town," said a local resident. "It's far from alone in its suffering – residents point to parallels with places like Bangor and Holyhead – and there is faint hope the malaise may be only temporary."

Conclusion

Rhyl is a town with a rich history and a proud community. However, it is facing a number of challenges that are threatening its future as a seaside destination. It is vital that the local council and other stakeholders work together to address these issues and ensure that Rhyl can once again become a thriving and vibrant town.