THERE are "no current plans" to replace five kiosks buildings which have stood in Rhyl for more than 50 years and are set to be reduced to rubble.

The five kiosks – four of which are situated by the SeaQuarium, and one near SC2, will close on June 4.

The beachfront kiosks - which have received thousands of visitors over the years and have been described as "iconic" and "part of Rhyl's history" by Journal readers - are leased to tenants by Denbighshire County Council.

The local authority confirmed to the Journal that there are "no replacement proposals currently" but "there is the option of conisdering that in the future".

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "The beachfront kiosks are owned by Denbighshire County Council and are leased to tenants. The council has been in discussions with the kiosk tenants for 18 months regarding this situation and terms have been agreed with each of them with all the tenants having professional representation throughout the process. The legal formalities are currently being completed so that Balfour Beatty can proceed in accordance with the sea defence programme.

"The current sea defences in Rhyl must be upgraded because they are deteriorating, and we also need to improve the level of protection from coastal flooding due to the impact of climate change.

"This work is essential to protect homes, businesses and the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future. The scheme will provide ongoing protection for around 600 residential and commercial properties in the area.

"The kiosks cannot remain in place whilst the works are taking place, and the new sea defence promenade will be higher, coming approximately halfway up the current kiosk buildings.

"Unfortunately, the kiosks must therefore be removed in order to deliver the scheme."

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DCC said the kiosks were being demolished as "due to forecasted sea level rises, the design solution requires a finished sea defence that is higher than is currently in place."

One concerned resident told the Journal: "The pink ice cream shop by the SC2 beachside has already closed. They have been located behind the SeaQuarium since 1950’s and are a long established family-run business that is popular with tourists and locals alike.

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"Mac’s Fishing Pond, Clwyd Ices and The Seafood Kiosk, they were all there in 1950’s. These hugely popular shops have been a part of Rhyl for so long so I ask the question - why are they not being replaced?"

Concerned resident Andrew Jackson said: "The shops are closing down on June 4. They will never reopen again and they have been there for more than 50 years.

"They will no longer be able to trade as they have been told they are to close on June 4 and that is no good at all for all the people who come here for holidays and days out to the beach.

"I am not happy that they are closing down. We have the air show in town soon too."

Another resident said: "I can't believe the council's decision to remove another long loved part of Rhyl, namely the food cabins on the prom. We as a family have visited those cabins for nearly 50 years, and to know they wont be replaced is despicable. Not that they are easy to get to any more as the promenade and a big section is now off limits to walkers and cyclists."