RECRUITMENT for a leading North Wales tourism group has been backed by the Vale of Clwyd MP, James Davies, after progress talks on a multi-million-pound project site.

Lyons Holiday Parks, the country’s largest private holiday park operators, acquired the derelict Dyserth Falls Resort in 2019 in a bid to revive one of Denbighshire’s small communities and restore a once-well-known spa and holiday let back to its former glory.

MP Dr Davies recently visited the work-in-progress at the site, formerly known as Graig Park, to discuss the developments in construction and staffing with directors of the fifth generation, family-run business.

The once booming tourist resort was subject to liquidation by its former owners – but Lyons Holiday Parks directors, Joseph and Geoff Lyons-Mound, have been hailed as “local legends” due to their experience and knowledge in the construction sector, with faith in their abilities to revive the site reaffirmed by councillors, and Dr Davies.

The Journal reported in January that work is “well underway” at the seven-acre site, with the 52 existing log cabins receiving thorough internal renovation, as well as the pool and spa area seeing a complete overhaul from the ground up.

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Half a dozen youngsters have also been onboarded to facilitate the renovation works, in line with the government’s Kickstart Scheme aimed at tackling unemployment and reducing the number of 18-24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit.

The Lyons group’s involvement with the scheme has been deemed a huge success by both the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as well as Dr Davies himself.

He set aside time to chat with some of the budding youngsters who have now secured permanent positions after passing their initial six-month placement on the scheme.

Progress on the 90 individual apartments is evident – but project manager Gavin Taylor, who has led multiple projects for the ever-expanding Lyons group, has called for an influx of labourers ahead of a construction drive this summer.

He said: “We’re happy with the work that’s been done, and the involvement of our Kickstart recruits who are now proud and hardworking members of the Lyons family has been brilliant.

“We’re exactly where we wanted to be two years after acquiring the site; but what we’re looking for now is local talent to ensure the workforce behind the workload comes from the heart of community.

“We value what’s local, which is why we’re using companies we know and trust such as Elite Electrical based in Rhuddlan, North Wales Fire and Alarms based in Bagillt, Thorncliffe Building Supplies who, like us, are lucky to share the views of these hills, and Hayes Plastering and Rendering Services.

“What we’re on the hunt for now is local plumbers to work alongside our in-house team on renovating the chalets, 18 hotel rooms, the spa and pool area, and helping us achieve our sustainability goals which could include a biomass boiler to replace the current old system.”

Dr Davies said: “This is an exciting development which will give the area’s economy a real boost and I was very pleased to hear during my visit of the great success of the Kickstart scheme, with some of the youngsters having now secured permanent positions within the company.

“The development is also providing further opportunities locally, with Lyons now on the hunt for local tradespeople, and there will of course be more job opportunities once the development is complete.

“Denbighshire is very fortunate to have such a well-known and reputable family business investing so much in the local economy.

“I look forward to revisiting in the hopefully not too distant future to see the completed development, which promises to be a real asset for the area.”

Helen Powell, HR manager, added: “Lyons Holiday Parks are among the most reputable and well-known family business in the region.

“Locals have known us for years and we couldn’t be prouder that our councillors, MPs, and the community can see the development and growth we’re bringing to the area.

“When people join the Lyons family, it’s more than just ‘getting a job.’

“We provide external and on-the-job training opportunities, team referral incentives, team socials and charity drives, as well as discounts at over 60 local attractions from your days out for family, to pubs and restaurants, to adventure activity centres.

“Joining the Lyons family is all about nurturing an environment where passionate people can shine and helping maintain North Wales as one of the most popular, diverse and ‘must visit’ places in the UK today.

“Those looking to join the construction team – or any other departments – are free to email myself directly with their CV to jobs@lyonsholidayparks.co.uk.

“Or visit our website, www.lyonsholidayparks.co.uk/jobs-careers, where you’ll see our full range of roles available from entertainment team leaders, to hotel cleaners, to groundsmen and even digital marketing assistants.”