A WOMAN who runs a café on Rhyl’s seafront said she was “forced to close” early on Friday (July 12) after young members of a community of “Travellers” which parked along the promenade caused disruption.
Michelle Mellor, who runs The Lounge Bar on West Parade, said she had “no option but to close” after the youths were “hurling abuse and swearing”.
She said there were four youths involved on Friday, and two in a separate incident the following day.
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‘Travellers’ move on from Rhyl having been ‘driving recklessly’
The encampment in Rhyl last weekend (Image: Submitted)
The caravans arrived in Rhyl on a grassy area next to the promenade on Friday, with a witness saying they saw as many as seven vehicles at one time.
They have since moved on, with Denbighshire County Council having provided temporary toilets and bins in the intervening period.
Michelle said: “There were four youths hurling abuse and swearing, shortly after they arrived on Friday, so we had no option but to close.
“Thankfully, the council gave them toilet cubicles, so took the pressure off us (afterwards), and bins to keep the area clear.
“It wasn’t good for business, though - things are hard enough at the moment, too.
“They were from the encampment; I called 999, but two came again on Saturday. It was just the youngsters that were causing problems.”
A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “We did receive notification of ‘Travellers’ setting up an unauthorised encampment on the promenade at West Rhyl.
“Toilets and bins were delivered to the site while we monitored the situation. The group moved on from the site on Sunday.
“The council’s response is informed by legislation and government guidance on unauthorised Gypsy, Roma and Traveller encampments.”
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