JOURNAL readers have shared their suggestions for what the additional £20million Rhyl was awarded in the Spring Budget should be sent on.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP confirmed yesterday (March 6) that the town will be given an extra £20m as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
This will provide Rhyl with £20m of endowment-style funding to invest across 10 years, empowering the town to develop a plan for the long-term, not just for the end of the financial year.
Residents took to Facebook to share their suggestions for what they money should be put towards.
READ MORE:
Additional £20million funding package confirmed for Rhyl
Sarah Lindley called for a “proper and open discussion with residents of Rhyl on what’s needed”, so as to give people “the options to vote for themselves on what’s wanted in the town”.
Gary Nixon added that “free or cheap entertainment” would be a good addition to Rhyl, and also suggested the rebuilding of a “free seafront park”.
He also called for the construction of “attractions that will bring people to Rhyl and boost the area”.
Sally Malcolm said: “A decent updated park for the children - the only decent one we had was demolished.”
Sally Pritchard added: “The council needs to look at the state of the properties on High Street, and make the landlords do something with them.
“No national retailers want to rent run-down derelict buildings with poor services; most of them want knocking down and re-building on one level with good power and internet services.
“Stop holding on to old-fashioned Victorian properties because of heritage.”
Kelly Stirland-Rowlands also called for a “decent fairground” to be built at the former site of Rhyl’s SeaQuarium, which closed for good in November.
She added: “It may be a little bit small, but something decent needs to go there, otherwise that will be another derelict eyesore.”
Louise Johnson said that some of the money should be spent to “clean off the paintings and graffiti on the walls in town – it’s an eyesore”.
Likewise, Flaunt It Vintage suggested a “full deep-clean of High Street and its surrounding area”, as well as “signage to signal that not all businesses are on High Street”.
Flaunt It Vintage also called for “a one-way traffic system down part of High Street”, as well as free parking after 3pm, and closed circuit television in the town centre.
Amanda Boyd added: “Put the chalets back on the beach”.
Meanwhile, Christopher Gavin said: “A funfair to bring the tourists back in… there is nothing tourists want more than to have an up-to-date funfair back.
“That would bring back the tourists and money for the area - imagine something like Blackpool Pleasure Beach on the promenade.
“This could be the start of a new era for Rhyl.”
Yesterday, Vale of Clwyd MP, James Davies, said: “This is very welcome news indeed for Rhyl and will contribute massively to the ongoing efforts to regenerate the town.
“The funding will be focused on the issues that matter most to local people, including the high street, heritage and regeneration, and public safety and security.
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