IT WAS laughs and smiles when the co-chairman of the Conservative party paid a visit to Rhyl.

Amanda Milling MP visited seaside arcade Les Harker’s and the Kite Surf Café. Both have been severely impacted due to lockdown and social distancing measures.

She was also provided an update on plans being developed by Simon Jones of Pro Kitesurfing, for a Wakeboarding centre and seasonal inflatable course on the former Rhyl Sun Centre site.

James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, who accompanied Ms Milling during her visit, 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.

Rhyl Journal:

Simon Jones, Amanda Milling and James Davies, MP Vales of Clwyd

“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."

Rhyl Journal:

Simon Jones (left) meets with Amanda Milling MP

Ms Milling was in Wales to give her backing to Conservative Welsh Parliament candidates ahead of next year's election; Gareth Davies, county councillor, is the Conservative assembly candidate for the Vale of Clwyd.

As well as Rhyl, Ms Milling visited Wrexham, Bridgend, Anglesey, Newport, Brecon and Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire.

"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," she said.

"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.”

Cllr Gareth Davies said: "It was absolutely fantastic to welcome Amanda to Rhyl as we visited Harker's amusements and the Kite Surf Cafe on the promenade. 

"She was enthused to see the exciting plans that PKS watersports have for the town and hoping that this can provide a base for further investment together with entrepreneurship in Rhyl.

"I was happy to support and second her observations."